A dedicated, compassionate and highly capable paramedic has been awarded the inaugural Steven Tougher Award for Personal and Professional Development at a special ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park today.
The distinguished award has been introduced this year to honour the life and legacy of paramedic Steven Tougher who tragically died while on duty in 2023. It will be presented annually to a paramedic in their graduating year who demonstrates the same kind, caring qualities as Steven as they start out in the profession he loved.
The 2024-25 winner, Sally Fenton, has been recognised for her exceptional growth, commitment to learning and willingness to help others.
Steven's wife Madison Tougher, who presented the award named in her husband's honour, said it was a touching tribute that would make their children Kobi and Lily-Mae proud.
Around 100 NSW Ambulance staff from across NSW have also been recognised for their unwavering service and dedication at the end-of-year awards ceremony.
Among the award recipients were critical care paramedics Marty Thomson and Stuart Gourlay, who were presented with the prestigious Commissioner's Valour Medal - NSW Ambulance's highest bravery award recognising distinguished performance of duties in circumstances of extreme peril.
In August 2024, the pair was winched down from a rescue helicopter, then abseiled 100 metres down a sheer cliff face, to treat a critically injured abseiler at Tom Thumb Climb in the Blue Mountains.
With the narrow ledge only able to accommodate one of them along with the patient, they took turns hanging suspended in their harnesses to deliver continuous care for 17 hours until they could help facilitate a successful daylight rescue.
The NSW Ambulance Employee of the Year Award was presented to paramedic Martin Gibb, a volunteer facilitator who trains Community First Responders (CFR) in the Southern Tablelands town of Captains Flat. His passion for education and improvement has helped boost the performance of the CFR unit and fostered closer connections with NSW Ambulance and the local community.
Highly respected paramedic educator Matthew Simpson received the Minister for Health's Bursary Award for his ability to "mentor with empathy" while maintaining high clinical standards. Intensive care paramedic Alexander Worrad was awarded the Michael Wilson Award for Leadership and Teamwork for his "extraordinary ability" to unite people, foster collaboration and lift those around him to achieve their best.
A number of community members were also recognised for their bravery during emergencies, including Edward White and Nicholas Saunders who were at Balmoral Beach in August 2022 when Hans Hendrischke collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest after a swim. The pair commenced CPR, located a defibrillator and delivered four shocks before paramedics arrived. They were able to reunite with Hans today, who himself received a Cardiac Arrest Survivor Award.
Staff and volunteers were also acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Commissioner's Conspicuous Service Medals, Certificates of Recognition and Commissioner's Honour Awards.
The Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the last of four events held in 2025 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. Ceremonies have also been held this year in Dubbo, Newcastle and Ballina.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"It's wonderful to see so many NSW Ambulance staff being honoured today - from paramedics, to call takers and control centre staff, through to volunteers - who all play their part in ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
"These dedicated workers are there all day, every day to help those people who may be experiencing their worst day - and the care and compassion they continually show is outstanding and I offer them all my warmest congratulations, and heartfelt thanks.
"I offer a special congratulations to the well deserving winner of the inaugural Steven Tougher award, a paramedic who demonstrates the same qualities as Steven - a kind and selfless man who dedicated his life to helping others."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan:
"It is a 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 is no more evident than in our two critical care paramedics who have received the highest honour today for the exceptional valour and dedication they displayed during a treacherous 20-hour operation to reach, treat and rescue a critically injured abseiler stranded overnight on a sheer cliff face.
"We are immensely proud to be launching the inaugural Steven Tougher award, in tribute to a dedicated and diligent paramedic who touched so many lives."
Quotes attributable to Madison Tougher:
"Having an award in Steve's honour is a nice reminder that Steve's legacy still lives on and he hasn't been forgotten, and I think it is important for paramedics to receive this award as it reinforces the values Steve had as a paramedic.
"Steve would be absolutely delighted with himself, knowing an award is named after him, and Kobi and Lily-Mae will both be proud that their dad has left a long-lasting legacy."
