Recognising leading women this International Women’s Day

At Ambulance Victoria, our women are innovators, leaders, problem‑solvers and changemakers whose dedication strengthens the care we deliver to Victorians every single day. This International Women’s Day, we proudly honour some of the extraordinary women who help shape our organisation.

Celebrated annually on 8 March, International Women’s Day is a global moment to recognise the remarkable achievements of women and to accelerate progress toward true gender equality. The 2026 theme, Balance the Scales, focuses on the promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives.

Today, we are especially proud to celebrate the accomplishments of six exceptional women recognised through the 2026 International Women’s Day honours from the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA). Their leadership, courage and commitment reflect the powerful impact women continue to make across the emergency services sector and particularly at AV.

Thank you for the incredible difference you make, every day.

CAA Women in Ambulance Honour Roll

The 2026 International Women’s Day honours recognise women in ambulance services across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

This prestigious recognition celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in the ambulance services, shining a spotlight on their dedication, resilience and leadership across Australasian ambulance services.

We’re proud to announce the following six honour roll recipients for 2026.

Vikki Couper – Ambulance Community Officer, Boort

Vikki has dedicated 23 years of service to the Boort and district community as a CERT First Responder and an ACO, while also working full time. Vikki is known for providing valuable assistance to new ACOs joining AV and always showing a professional and successful approach while on the job. By sharing her caring nature while relating to patients, families, and co-workers, Vikki is very much appreciated by the community.

Avis Salisbury – Paramedic Ambulance Auxiliary, Lakes Entrance

Avis is a dedicated volunteer with the Lakes Entrance Ambulance Auxiliary and has proudly served as president since 2022. Stepping into the role at a critical time for recruitment of new members, Avis helped prevent the Auxiliary from closing. Under her leadership, the Auxiliary has grown into a strong, well-known community group known for delivering regular fundraising activities, building local partnerships, and supporting community projects and AED awareness across Gippsland.

Connie Molinaro – Administrative Support Officer, Triage Services

Connie has been a vital member of AV for over 11 years, providing exceptional support as Administrative Support Officer to the Director of Operational Triage Services. Known for her kindness, efficiency, and reliability, Connie oversees financial management, resource management systems, and the directorate’s communication and governance strategies. Connie consistently goes above and beyond and is known as the ‘go-to person’ within Triage Services. Through her dedication and leadership, Connie embodies AV’s values of Care, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Tania Northey – Ambulance Community Officer, Team Leader Mt Beauty

Tania is a long serving ACO and Team Leader whose professionalism, support, and unwavering commitment to her community set the benchmark for First Responders. A respected advocate for First Responder programs, she’s a trusted voice in state and regional forums, shaping meaningful improvements in First Responder practice. She drives continuous improvements in education and uplift in statewide protocols. Off duty, Tania is a powerhouse athlete with a swag of Australasian Emergency Services Games medals. Dedicated, insightful, and highly skilled, Tania continues to strengthen First Responder capability across Victoria.

Kirsten Mitchell – Ambulance Paramedic, Wallan

Kirsten is a paramedic who does it all; From delivering world-class clinical care to mentoring colleagues and building strong community connections, Kirsten leads with heart and vision. She’s championed innovative programs that improve patient outcomes and inspire everyone around her to aim higher, understanding the need for better healthcare access. Kirsten is a paramedic but she’s also a role model, a changemaker, and a true ambassador for care and community.

Bianca Wilkie – A/Paramedic Community Support Coordinator, Wellington

Bianca has spent over a decade serving Gippsland communities with exceptional clinical care and unwavering commitment. Working in the rural township of Yarram, she has balanced frontline duties, acting Team Manager roles and on-call responsibilities while raising a young family. Her leadership extends to supporting first responders, strengthening ACO recruitment and training, and advancing community safety through initiatives such as HeartSafe communities. Known for her empathy, resilience and integrity, Bianca exemplifies the values and spirit of AV.

These six women join a long list of previous CAA Women in Ambulance Honour Roll recipients from AV including:

2025: Rebecca Quarrier, Maree Pulis, Dr Megan Dobbie, Dearne Stewart and Sarah Bennett

2024: Jo Algie, Belinda Delardes, Rebecca Veitch, Deb Bright, Carina Gibson and Emily Nehme.

2023: Danielle North, Danielle Saxton, Diana Zimmerman, Norieul Kinross, Jacinta Rivett and Georgia Fogarty.

2022: Anna Devereux, Bronwyn Lambert, Debbie Ray, Eileen Craven and Lindsay Mackay.

2021: Julie O’Brien, Caitlin Walker, Sophie Faulkner, Michaela Malcom, Jacinta Roberts and Kate Cantwell.

2020: Jess McGowan, Janelle George, Rachelle Peelow, Aleisha Robertson, Jodie Gilbert and Michelle Crilly.

Find out more about the CAA Women in Ambulance Honour Roll including information on honour roll recipients across all CAA member services.