Oak Park paramedics benefit from new state-of-the-art branch
November 8, 2023in News
Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) service to the community in Melbourne’s north-west is being bolstered by a new state-of-the-art ambulance branch at Oak Park.
The multi-million-dollar facility is home to around 80 paramedics from AV’s Oak Park and Broadmeadows crews.
An aerial view of the new state-of-the-art ambulance branch at Oak Park.
The project involved a complete knock-down and rebuild of the existing branch, which had been in place for over 50 years, replacing it with custom-built modern and safe facilities.
The two-storey building includes a six-bay garage for ambulances, six rest and recline areas for paramedics to recuperate, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, improved security and underground carparking to make sure paramedics are safe.
The Strachan Street branch maintains its ease of access to main roads and major sites including local health services, schools, shopping precincts and community facilities.
The garage at Oak Park branch can house up to six ambulances.
AV Area Manager Libby Langdon said the new branch is already making a difference.
“This new, purpose-built branch ensures our paramedics have the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to emergencies and assist in our efforts to save lives,” she said.
“The opening of the new branch is a great milestone for the community and comes at an important time, in what is a rapidly growing part of Melbourne.
“Facilities like these are a community asset and contribute to better health outcomes for our patients.”
(L-R): AP12 paramedic Sophie Taubitz, Area Manager Libby Langdon, Metropolitan Director Regional and Clinical Operations Narelle Capp, Merri-bek Senior Team Manager Katie Cornelius, Area Manager Caitlin Walker, Oak Park Team Manager Darcy Johnson,
ALS paramedic Linda Khuthir, and Acting Chief Operations Officer Anthony Carlyon.
The branch was funded by the Victorian government’s Ambulance Victoria Development Program and delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Ambulance Victoria.
It’s one of more than 30 new ambulance branches built since 2015.
This includes new branches built at Bacchus Marsh, Melton West and Taylors Lakes in Melbourne’s north and west.