Loddon Mallee region celebrates clinical excellence, service and leadership

Ambulance Victoria is celebrating more than 700 years of collective service and clinical excellence among paramedics and first responders across the Loddon Mallee region.

Ambulance Victoria’s Loddon Mallee Staff Recognition Awards in Swan Hill and Bendigo formally welcomed graduate paramedics to the region, recognised service milestones of paramedics and first responders ranging from 10 to 45 years, and presented team and individual excellence awards.

Clinical Support Officer Dale Richards was recognised for an incredible 45 years of service with Ambulance Victoria, including 19 years working across the Northen Mallee area, based in Mildura.

Birchip Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members Rachel Ferrier and Keiko Nakamura received 20-year service medals at the Swan Hill awards ceremony.

Keiko had friends travel from Tokyo to witness the award presentation from Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery on Thursday night.

Rachel, who is the Birchip CERT team leader, was also presented with the region’s Outstanding First Responder of the Year Award recognising a commitment to high-quality clinical care.

“CERT members are volunteers who provide such an essential service in our community providing care until an advanced life support paramedic is on scene,” Rachel said.

“This award is acknowledgement for turning up to training and putting patient care at the top of my priority list. I’m humbled to receive this award, but I need to acknowledge my team who deserve this recognition as much as I do, and our trainers who support us all.”

Robinvale Team Manager Emma O’Connor received the Clinical Excellence and Leadership Award for championing research and education to support high-quality patient care outcomes.

Kyabram Team Manager Troy Pickles received the Leadership in Health and Safety Award for his commitment to new initiatives and strategies to improve the wellbeing of team members.

Bendigo’s Acting Senior Team Manager, Ben Miller, received the Regional Director’s Award recognising his professionalism, leadership and commitment to supporting others across the branch.

Bendigo was named Loddon Mallee’s team of the year, with paramedics recognised for their exceptional patient care and teamwork.

Acting Director Regional Operations Loddon Mallee Amelia Kohn congratulated all the award recipients.

“The Loddon Mallee Recognition Awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our people and volunteers,” Amelia said.

“It was wonderful to celebrate our graduates, service award recipients and peer award winners, whose contributions make a meaningful difference to patients, communities and colleagues across the region.

“Congratulations to all recipients and nominees and thank you for the outstanding work you do every day in support of Ambulance Victoria and the communities we serve.”