Paynesville Ambulance Auxiliary celebrates 25 years

Last week marked 25 years since the Paynesville Ambulance Victoria (AV) Auxiliary was established, and the group remains as dedicated as ever to supporting the community and local branch.

The Paynesville Ambulance Auxiliary was established on 15 May 2000 after locals identified a need for an ambulance in the area.

Determined to help their community, the group raised enough funds to purchase and fit out the town’s first ambulance, and they’ve been continuing to give back ever since.

Auxiliary treasurer and local Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) Alan Wilkins joined the group 18 years ago and is proud of all it has achieved.

“Over its 25 years, the Auxiliary has put a significant amount of money into the local branch to ensure it has the best resources possible,” he said.

“This includes funding additional training and equipment such as mannequins, monitors and many other items, which would not have been possible without the generous support of the Paynesville community and surrounds.

“The Auxiliary has also purchased around 24 new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the town, increasing the community’s access to lifesaving devices.”

But that’s just some of the achievements of the Auxiliary, with Alan commending the founding members for its outstanding success and reputation.

“The Auxiliary has a great name around town and that’s because of the people who founded the group 25 years ago,” he said.

“They gave their all to help this town and we’re aiming to continue that legacy by supporting the community and local AV branch well into the future.”

Gippsland Regional Support Manager Eddie Wright said the Auxiliary has played a significant role in the branch’s development.

“We deeply appreciate the Auxiliary's support and recognise that the branch's current success is largely due to their efforts,” he said.

“The Auxiliary has provided funding for additional equipment, which has helped the crews enhance their skills and deliver best care to the Paynesville community.

“We’re proud to be able to celebrate this hardworking group and their outstanding efforts over the past two and a half decades. We look forward to working with them for another 25 years.”

Currently there are about 350 Auxiliary volunteers across more than 40 locations in Victoria.

More information about Ambulance Auxiliaries.