Swan Hill paramedics sweep top honours at regional awards

The Swan Hill team led the way at Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) Loddon Mallee Staff Recognition Awards, with Swan Hill named Team of the Year and local paramedic Tom Connellan receiving the Regional Director’s Award.

Several award categories were presented at the event, with local paramedics and first responders also celebrated for career milestones, safe driving and graduating to advanced life support (ALS) or mobile intensive care ambulance (MICA) paramedic levels.

Loddon Mallee Regional Director Matt McCrohan said the Swan Hill team were deserving winners of one of the year’s top honours.

“The Team of the Year title is awarded to an AV branch where paramedics or first responders consistently provide outstanding emergency health care, but also engage positively with the local community, create an inclusive and enjoyable working environment, and demonstrate AV values,” he said.

“The award is well earned recognition for the Swan Hill team, who clearly meet this criteria. Congratulations to all at the branch for their efforts.”

Swan Hill Team Manager Ben Battenally said the team are a cohesive, passionate group committed to continuous improvement.

“There is a real feeling of support and commitment within the Swan Hill team, and I often hear from others how friendly, inviting and helpful the team is,” Ben said.

“It has been business as usual since receiving the award, which I think speaks to the team as a whole – a group of hard-working, committed paramedics who enjoy coming to work and making a difference.

“My hope is that we all acknowledge the achievement and use it as motivation to continue to grow and develop into the future.”

Swan Hill Senior Team Manager Erin Peers said she was extremely proud of the team.

“It is a genuine privilege to lead such a committed, energetic and inspiring team. Well done to everyone for this much-deserved recognition,” she said.

Swan Hill paramedic Tom Connellan was selected for the Regional Director’s Award, which acknowledges an employee who continuously demonstrates the AV values and serves as an inspiration to others through their continued excellence.

“Tom goes above and beyond, demonstrating outstanding leadership, being a role model for AV values and behaviours, and engaging with his colleagues and the community,” Matt said.

“Tom is an outstanding paramedic to have in our region, and I congratulate him on this hard-earned achievement.”

Tom said it was rewarding to receive the honour.

“It’s acknowledgement for the effort put into striving towards best patient care and doing the best I can for our patients. To me, the biggest reward is actually delivering that best care to patients and seeing the difference that I’ve made,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the people I work with because it is imperative to have a great team to deliver the aspirations I have for best patient care. Without those around me, I wouldn’t have won this award.”

Tom is in his seventh year at AV, starting out as an ambulance community officer (ACO) before becoming a qualified paramedic. He is currently completing post-graduate study at Monash University with aspirations to secure a MICA internship in the future.

“First and foremost for me is to be the best paramedic I can be, to deliver for the community. What I do is all about empowering myself with the knowledge and skills to do the best I can for my patients,” he concluded.