SALE, VIC. — The incredible dedication and achievement of Ambulance Victoria paramedics and first responders across Gippsland have been celebrated at the annual Staff Recognition Awards.
Staff Recognition Award events are held in Ambulance Victoria regions across the state each year, with the Gippsland awards hosted across two evenings in Sale and Korumburra last week.
In Sale, Paynesville-based Paramedic Stephanie Franklin was awarded the Outstanding Team Member Award for her contribution to uplifting others and creating a positive team environment.
Paramedic Matthew Cividin, of Ambulance Victoria’s Sale branch, took home the Excellence in Patient Care Award for delivering outstanding care, compassion, and clinical decision-making.
The Leadership in Safety Award, to recognise those who promote and support physical and psychological safety in the workplace, was awarded to Lakes Entrance Paramedic Hugh Brown.
Ambulance Community Officer and Team Leader Tracy Young, from the Rawson branch, was recognised with the Outstanding First Responder Award for her exceptional effort and dedication to supporting her team and community.
In Korumburra, Cowes Community Engagement Liaison Coordinator Immogen Nolan received the Community and Partnership Award – recognising those who make a positive difference beyond their immediate team through collaboration and community engagement.
Leongatha paramedic Josh Knight was awarded the Regional Directors Award for exceptional contributions to the region.
He said it was a special moment.
“It’s a privilege to be a recipient. I want to acknowledge all my mentors, my leaders and peers. They helped me get to this moment,” Josh said.
“It wasn’t without the opportunities given by them, the trust they put in me to fulfil different roles, and confidence and support they gave me, it wouldn’t have come without those people.”
Josh, an Ambulance Victoria paramedic of five years, said he was proud to work in the Gippsland region.
“It was great to see a range of skills recognised across the night from First Responders to MICA Paramedics, acknowledged for their contributions to the region,” he said.
“The Gippsland region, it’s made to feel like a home by the leaders and the team, it’s nice to be a part of a team who is building that.
“It’s quite humbling to be part of a team who contributes to their community as much as they do.”
The events also formally welcomed graduate paramedics to the region, and recognised service milestones of paramedics ranging from 10 to 25 years, including Gippsland 2 Area Manager Warwick Bone, Morwell MICA paramedic Stewart McDougall, and Wonthaggi team manager Danny Slattery for 25 years of service.
Ambulance Victoria Director Regional Operations Gippsland Ross Salathiel thanked the region’s staff and extended his congratulations to the award recipients.
“These awards are an important opportunity to formally recognise and thank our exceptional paramedics for their service, and to celebrate achievements and milestones,” Ross said.
“It’s about recognising excellence, about acknowledging those who go above and beyond, often without fanfare, in service of others.
“The work that our people do every day matters. It makes a difference, and we are incredibly proud of it. Thank you.”
