Here to stay: Michela Clarke appointed Sea Lake Team Manager
May 28, 2024in Community News
When Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedic Michela Clarke first arrived in Sea Lake, it felt like “going home”.
Michela grew up in the Yarra Valley and had been working in Lilydale before she was transferred to the north-west for a “short stint” as Sea Lake’s acting Team Manager in August 2021.
“I was supposed to be here for two weeks and basically never went back,” Michela said.
Michela Clarke has been appointed Sea Lake’s permanent Team Manager. (Photo by Shane Roberts)
Two years on from her first arrival in Sea Lake, she’d bought a house and cemented her place in town.
Michela said the community made an instant impact on her.
“It had that same feel as where I grew up – a small town and very community-oriented,” she said.
“Out here it’s agricultural and in the Yarra Valley at that time, it was orchards and strawberries, so it’s still that farm feel.
“In both places, people put a lot into their town.”
Recently, Michela officially became Sea Lake’s Team Manager and said it was a special opportunity.
“Being in the role permanently means I’m able to help my team get the most out of their time at AV,” she said.
“At the moment, my team is a lovely mix of locals and paramedic students.
“Some of the locals became Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs) years ago and enjoyed the role so much that they’re now studying paramedicine as well, so at the end of three years, if all goes well, I’ll have five paramedics graduate from out of this branch.”
Michela said living within the community allowed her to better support her team.
“Sea Lake’s remote location can be challenging, so to have a second pair of hands locally, if necessary, is a big asset for the town,” she said.
After nearly 24 years with AV, Michela said she loves the challenge of working in a rural community.
“I love that every day is different and the constant opportunities to solve problems” she said.
“I love that aspect and just the fact that we get to help people and can make such a big difference.”
Acting Buloke Gannawarra Senior Team Manager Mark Passalick said Michela had well and truly earned her new role.
“Sea Lake will be well served by Michela, as she is a dedicated and highly skilled paramedic, as well as a mentor, role model, and leader for her local Sea Lake team,” he said.
“Under Michela’s leadership, the Sea Lake team of paramedics and ACOs will continue to work side by side to deliver the best patient care and health outcomes they possibly can for the local community.”
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