Auxiliary volunteers supporting their communities

May 24, 2024 | in News

To mark National Volunteers Week, Ambulance Victoria (AV) is recognising our volunteers who give up their time to support communities as part of our world-leading ambulance service.

There are many roles within AV that are entirely or partially volunteer-based and make a big difference to our ability to respond and provide Best Care to our patients.

Three males and one female of the Baw Baw auxiliary team standing beside a new installed automated external defibrillators at the Warragul Ambulance Branch.

Baw Baw auxiliary members with the AED they fundraised for Warragul Ambulance Branch.

Baw Baw Auxiliary Secretary Brad Wooding has been a volunteer for more than 10 years and said the auxiliary has recently fundraised to purchase two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the community.

“We fundraised in October last year and in February and were able to purchase two AEDs for the local community,” he said.

AEDs are a life-saving device used during a cardiac arrest to shock a patient’s heart back into normal function.

“We had a fundraising event earlier this year and were joined by the AV Community Education team who were teaching locals how to perform CPR and how to use an AED.”

“It’s good to do these events where we’re doing something important for the community.”

Auxiliary members are volunteers who work together as a group by fundraising and ensuring ongoing community engagement on behalf of AV.

Wendy Shiels is the Baw Baw Auxiliary President and has volunteered with Ambulance Auxiliary for more than 40 years.

“It’s been really rewarding to volunteer over the years knowing that what we do directly helps people in our community,” Wendy said.

“I think it’s important to thank all our auxiliary members as well as paramedics for the work they do.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested to join their local auxiliary, if there is one. It’s an interesting role where you can make a difference in your community.”

Ambulance Victoria recognises our auxiliary members, and other volunteer roles, and says thank you for the work they do to support our people and communities.

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and runs this year from 20 May to 26 May.

Visit Ambulance Auxiliaries for more information.