Outstanding paramedics and first responders across Western Victoria celebrated

The incredible dedication, service and achievements of paramedics and first responders have been celebrated at Ambulance Victoria’s Grampians Staff Recognition Awards event held in Horsham.

The evening saw Ambulance Victoria paramedics and first responders based in the western half of the Grampians region celebrated with awards marking regional excellence and service milestones.

Paramedics and Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs) based at Nhill branch were named Grampians Team of the Year, recognised for going above and beyond for their patients, colleagues and community.

An exemplar of strong teamwork, Nhill’s team of paramedics and ACOs work side by side to support each other and continually build their skills while always putting patients first.

They are actively involved in their local community, work closely with other emergency services and have created a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Local ACO Maree Albrecht was born in Nhill and has now worked at her hometown’s ambulance branch for about 13 years. She said the award was a big achievement for the team.

“We’re one big family at Nhill branch – we all have each other’s backs and help each other out. This award is a huge honour. We’re just there to help people when they need it most,” she said.

Fellow Nhill ACO Susan Hedt said it was amazing recognition for the hard-working, supportive team of ACOs and paramedics.

“The team at Nhill works so well together and is made up of local people with incredible local knowledge. That really comes in handy in adapting to our unique, rural environment. We cover a big area – the furthest I’ve travelled on a single shift is about 600 kilometres,” she said.

“We’re a small team but we put a lot of time and effort into caring for our patients, their families, bystanders and our community. It’s amazing for that effort to be seen and recognised through this award.”

Edenhope ACO Amy Bentley was named Outstanding First Responder for her impact on her team and community.

Known for her dedication, professionalism and willingness to always go the extra mile, Amy is passionate about building connections in her community, helping people better understand when and how to access emergency care, and providing reassurance when it is needed most.

Amy is also a respected role model who is committed to ongoing learning, high standards of clinical care and has genuine enthusiasm for helping others.

West Wimmera Paramedic Community Support Coordinator Steve Rabone received the Excellence in Community Engagement Award for making a real and lasting impact on the communities he serves.

Building strong, trusted relationships throughout some of Victoria’s most remote communities, Steve is known for always making time to educate, support and connect with people from all walks of life.

Whether it's delivering CPR and stroke awareness education, supporting new parents, working with local health services or introducing communities to new healthcare options, Steve’s efforts help people access the care and information they need.

Having grown up in Kaniva, Steve said he is passionate about improving health outcomes in his local community and surrounds.

“In this part of the state, a lot of people have to travel some distance for healthcare. It’s important to me to help people avoid spending a long time away from family and their communities, which is why community education and engagement is a passion for me,” he said.

“It’s a privilege to work in the community where I grew up and help build the community’s resilience and health literacy.”

Stawell Paramedic Georgia Sullivan earned the Leadership in Health and Safety Award for her efforts to encourage others to speak up, share their knowledge freely and create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and learning new skills.

Her commitment to the Stawell team has helped create a strong culture of safety and support within their branch, whether it’s through supporting staff with health and safety concerns, helping colleagues build confidence with equipment and manual handling, or stepping up into leadership roles.

Paramedics and first responders from across the region received Ambulance Victoria service medals for milestones of 10 to 40 years of service.

The Warracknabeal, Nhill and Kaniva Ambulance Victoria Auxiliaries were also recognised for their support of the local ambulance branches and initiatives such as Heart Safe Communities.

Through fundraising and community engagement, the auxiliaries have been able to provide additional equipment to the Warracknabeal, Nhill and Kaniva ambulance branches on top of what is supplied by Ambulance Victoria, as well as boosting community resources including the installation of new public automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Warracknabeal.

A second Ambulance Victoria Grampians Staff Recognition Awards event will be held in Ballarat later in November.