VICTORIA. — Ambulance Victoria (AV) was saddened to hear that Professor Tony Walker ASM, former Chief Executive Officer of Ambulance Victoria (AV), has passed away. Tony was a dear friend, former colleague, and mentor to many.
Tony dedicated almost four decades to AV, serving our organisation and the Victorian community through some incredibly challenging periods for the state. Beginning his career as a paramedic, Tony went on to hold a range of clinical, operational, and executive leadership roles before serving as Chief Executive Officer from 2014 to 2022.
Tony leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. Throughout his career, he was a passionate advocate for both our patients and our people, leading AV through a period of significant change. He believed deeply in delivering the very best care to the Victorian community and in ensuring the wellbeing of those who provide that care every day.
As Chief Executive Officer, Tony championed initiatives that continue to shape AV today. Under his leadership, the GoodSAM program was introduced in Victoria, connecting nearby trained responders with people experiencing cardiac arrest and helping save lives through faster access to CPR before paramedics arrive. He was also a strong advocate for innovation in workforce wellbeing, supporting the introduction of Victoria’s first ambulance Peer Support Dog program and driving significant investment in mental health programs that recognised the unique challenges faced by paramedics and first responders.
Tony’s influence extended well beyond AV, as Chair of the Council of Ambulance Authorities, he helped shape ambulance services across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. He was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal for his outstanding contribution to ambulance services and was recognised nationally for his work in advancing cardiovascular care, resuscitation outcomes and first responder mental health. In 2019, he was named a finalist for the Australian Mental Health Prize in recognition of his commitment to improving the wellbeing of paramedics and emergency service workers. More recently, Tony has driven the development of the Australian-first Centre of Excellence for Paramedicine, serving on the joint agency steering committee with the Victorian Government and Victoria University.
While Tony’s achievements were remarkable, those who knew him will remember him most for the person he was. He was a leader who genuinely cared about people and understood that behind every ambulance response was a patient needing care and a paramedic committed to making a difference. He never lost sight of the human side of this profession and that philosophy continues to influence our organisation today.
Tony was a champion of the profession of paramedicine and of AV.
Ambulance Victoria extended their sincere sympathies to Tony’s wife, Robyn, his children, and all who knew and loved him and paid tribute to his extraordinary service to AV, to paramedicine and to Victoria.
Rest peacefully, Tony.
