Kaniva community welcome Amb-ewe-Lance the sheep

June 12, 2024 | in Community News

Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) Kaniva Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs) have added a quirky addition to their community – an AV-themed sheep statue along the Kaniva Sheep Art Trail.

‘Amb-ewe-Lance’, or Lance for short, is painted in an ACO uniform and serves as a reminder to the community of the important work that ACOs do.

A statue of a sheep that has been painted wearing an Ambulance Community Officer's uniform.

Amb-ewe-Lance the sheep.

ACOs are first responders, employed by Ambulance Victoria on a casual basis to work on call and support qualified paramedics in rural and regional communities.

Kaniva Team Leader Monica Feder said that while Lance may seem like a light-hearted addition to the community art trail, he also helps to share an important safety message.

“Lance is a great way to spark a conversation in the community about the work the work ACOs do as well as the need for everyone to learn basic first aid,” Monica said.

Monica said she hoped Lance would encourage people to learn essential first aid skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

An ear-tag will be attached to Lance’s ear that links to the AV webpage, which hosts important safety messaging.

A labour of love went into bringing Lance the sheep into life, with current and retired ACO’s working together on the design and painting of the sheep.

“It’s taken around six months to bring the artwork together from start to finish, but it’s been a lot of fun and it’s just another way to make sure we’re engaging with our community,” Monica said.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in the work we do to find out more if they would like to join and become an ACO.”

Ambulance Community Officers from Kaniva and Nhill gathering around the statue of Lance the sheep.

Kaniva and Nhill crews together with Lance the sheep.

Lance is based at the Kaniva Sheep Art Trail at the Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park.

Established as a community arts project, the Kaniva Sheep Art Trail is a 900-metre-long trail that features a collection of sheep. Each sheep has its own name and links to a place or community group.

Visit Ambulance Community Officers for more information.