Father and daughter give back to local community

Charlton and District Ambulance Victoria Auxiliary member Bryan Streader is passionate about giving back to his community and it’s a trait he has passed on to his daughter Hannah.

For Bryan, his involvement with Ambulance Victoria started when he became an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) – a first responder employed on a casual basis to respond to emergencies in rural and remote communities, a role he held for over 20 years.

Being an ACO wasn’t something that Bryan sought out, but rather an opportunity that found him.

“Many years ago an ambulance responded to someone in our family suffering a stroke and I offered to help the paramedic get the patient into the ambulance. It made me realise the difference I could make in an emergency,” Bryan said.

“I told the paramedic that if he ever needed help again he should give me a call. A while later I was told there were plans to create an ACO team in Boort, so I put my hand up.

“I remember patients who told me they’ll never forget me for helping them, which brings it all back into perspective.

“I liked being able to help my community because I knew if my kids were in trouble, I’d want to know there was someone nearby who could help them in the same way.”

Bryan then joined the Charlton and District Ambulance Victoria Auxiliary and he’s still a member almost three decades later.

In addition to what is already provided by Ambulance Victoria, donations and locally raised auxiliary funds allow branches to provide crews with specialised equipment, resources and advanced training, supporting staff to continue delivering high-quality clinical care.

Over the years, Bryan has spent countless hours helping the auxiliary fundraise so they can provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the community and surrounding areas, as well as bolster the local ambulance branches with equipment such as a new HoverMatt and HoverJack.

Without realising it, Bryan’s community focus was igniting a volunteering spark in his daughter Hannah.

Hannah started accompanying her father to auxiliary meetings where she was welcomed with open arms by the older members.

Before long she was making flyers for fundraising events and seconding motions within the meetings. She eventually became the youngest member the auxiliary has ever welcomed, at the tender age of just 12.

“I remember dad always heading off to the auxiliary meetings and me begging him to come for the drive, but being so little I was never able to go with school the next day,” Hannah said.

“From the age of 10, I would come to the meetings and just sit there and listen. When I was asked to join the auxiliary, I did it immediately!”

Now a primary school teacher, Hannah credits her father with opening her eyes to the needs of the community around her.

“Witnessing all the work and effort dad has put into the community is very inspiring,” Hannah said.

“To this day, he will always help out when needed and I think that shaped my teenage years, guiding me to volunteer and do more stuff around the community along with joining the auxiliary.

“Growing up, dad has always been a hero who I idolise with unwavering kindness and generosity for those around him. I always hoped it would shape the practices I do daily while influencing me to do my bit for the community when I can.”

Caring for others runs in the family with Bryan’s other daughter, Taylah, working in healthcare. For Bryan, seeing his daughters grow into compassionate people who give back to their communities is one of the greatest gifts.

This Father’s Day, Ambulance Victoria is celebrating all the dads and father figures in our organisation for their work and commitment to providing best care to all Victorians.

The Charlton and District Ambulance Victoria Auxiliary welcomes new members and encourages anyone interested in giving back to their community to join.

More information about Ambulance Auxiliaries and how to join.