EPPING, VIC. — Ambulance Victoria’s May Sheldon has been commended with the prestigious Rod Moore Memorial Award for demonstrating resilience and determination on the path to graduating as a paramedic.
The award was presented at Ambulance Victoria’s Metropolitan Staff Recognition Awards in honour of well-respected paramedic Rod Moore, who overcame considerable challenges to excel in his career.
May, who is based in Heidelberg, said she was honoured to receive the award.
“To be acknowledged in any sense is something that is always going to feel good and always going to feel special,” she said.
“But when it comes from your workplace, where it’s an acknowledgment of not only the work you’ve done, but that you’ve done that work despite life throwing some really hard challenges at you, it’s really nice.
“I’m grateful to keep doing the meaningful work I get to do at Ambulance Victoria, especially in community education and advocacy.”
This is the 15th year the award has been given following its launch in conjunction with Kiwanis International after Rod’s passing in 2008. May was presented with the award by Peter Cownley, President of Kiwanis Port Phillip, and Andrea Moore, Rod’s wife.
“Rod finally achieved his lifelong career goal to become a paramedic when he was 42 years old. It took 20 years of applying and being unsuccessful for this dream to be realised,” Andrea said.
“Persistence, determination, hard work and a sense of self-belief are some of the qualities Rod demonstrated to achieve this.”
Ambulance Victoria Executive Director Regional Operations Michael Georgiou said May’s impressive resilience reflected the purpose of the accolade.
“Despite outside challenges, May consistently delivered outstanding patient care across a range of complex and challenging situations, including major medical emergencies, mental health presentations and patients with significant social needs,” Michael said.
“Beyond her operational role, May has contributed to community education and advocacy, particularly in the areas of sexual violence and family violence awareness, making a positive difference both within Ambulance Victoria and the broader community.”
The memorial award was presented among other accolades during a ceremony in Epping, where more than 300 guests gathered to celebrate the dedication, service, and achievements of Ambulance Victoria’s paramedics.
Resuscitation Coordinator, Team Manager and Pre-Hospital ECMO paramedic, Jenna Schwarz received the Excellence in Patient Care Award.
Emergency Medical Response Educator Thomas Pozzer received the Community and Partnership Award, and Senior Team Manager Emily Tait received the Leadership in Safety Award.
In a testament to the exceptional people at Ambulance Victoria across the region, this year’s Outstanding Team Member Award attracted two winners: Clinical Instructor and Paramedic Educator Micayla Helson, and Union Delegate, Health and Safety Representative, Clinical Instructor and member of the Employee Advisory Committee Matt Gale.
The event also formally welcomed graduate paramedics to the region, and recognised service milestones of paramedics ranging from 10 to 40 years, including Anthony De Wit, who received the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic 30-year MICA service medal and MICA paramedic Geoff Taurins, who received his 40-year service medal.
After 40 years, Geoff still loves his job.
“I’m still very happy working as a paramedic. I think it’s an awesome career. There are lots of challenges, but you get lots of satisfaction and reward out of it,” Geoff said.
“The highlight for me is any case that resulted in a good outcome for a patient and their family. When things happen to people, and you can help make them better, and they walk out of hospital, that is such a good feeling.
“For me, it’s all about being able to help somebody during a time of crisis.”
Ambulance Victoria Executive Director Regional Operations Michael Georgiou congratulated all the award recipients.
“Every day, our operational and non-operational staff make a meaningful difference in the lives of Victorians through their skill, compassion and commitment to serving the community,” Michael said.
“These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those achievements and thank our people for the exceptional work they do.
“Congratulations to all award winners and nominees, graduate and veteran paramedics recognised tonight for your dedication and professionalism to your community.”
