NSW Ambulance staff from across Northern NSW have been recognised for their unwavering service and dedication at an awards ceremony in Ballina.
Among those recognised were members of the aeromedical team who winched an elderly mother and son to safety after their house was pulled from its foundations and down a slope during severe flooding in northern NSW in March 2022. The delicate rescue operation at Main Arm, near Mullumbimby, took several hours and was successful thanks to the professionalism and teamwork shown by the pilots and crew.
Critical Care Paramedic William Brand received the National Medal and acknowledgement for his pivotal leadership role during Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March. He was also one of more than 25 paramedics and control centre staff also recognised for their service as part of the NSW Ambulance response to the Northern NSW floods in early 2022.
In addition, a number of community members were recognised for their bravery during emergencies, including seven-year-old Elijah Phillips who called Triple Zero (000) after his mother experienced a seizure in February. He used a picture he'd drawn of his house and kept in his 'emergency box' to confirm his house number and street name.
Staff and volunteers were also acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Commissioner's Conspicuous Service Medals, Certificates of Appreciation and Commissioner's Honour Awards. They included Northern Rivers paramedic Terence Savage, one of the service's earliest critical care paramedics, who received a swag of medals in honour of his 44-year career.
The Northern NSW Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the third of four events being held in 2025 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. Ceremonies have been held in Dubbo and Newcastle, and a ceremony will be held in Sydney in December.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the team at NSW Ambulance - from paramedics, to call takers and control centre staff, through to volunteers. Every single contribution plays a vital role in ensuring our communities get help when they need it most.
"Those being honoured today have shown incredible bravery and dedication, and I want to thank them for their outstanding service to the community.
"Communities in Northern NSW have experienced extreme weather events in recent years and I admire their resilience, and I am thankful for those staff who have been there to assist and care for people during challenging times."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:
"I have seen first hand how our first responders do the most extraordinary things to save lives when disasters strike.
"It is great to see our first responders. brave community members and volunteers recognised for their service and commitment to keeping us safe.
"I know I express the wishes of the entire community when I say that we thank each and every one of them from the bottom of our hearts."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Ballina Emily Suvaal:
"I want to congratulate all NSW Ambulance award recipients recognised for demonstrating kindness, passion and bravery during service in often challenging and difficult circumstances.
"NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers play a vital role in our health system - I'd like to express my gratitude to all those staff that support the region and thank them for their ongoing contributions to the community."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"It is an absolute privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients who provide critical care in life-threatening and often precarious conditions.
"That includes the dedicated aeromedical crew receiving the Commissioner's Unit Citation for Service for the remarkable rescue of two people trapped in their home after a mudslide, as well as well-deserved recognition for staff who attended the Eugowra floods in November 2022.
"We also pay thanks to our long-serving paramedics for their diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals and the NSW Service Medallion. As well we recognise members of the public who have selflessly stepped in to assist others in their times of need."
