SIX highly regarded Ambulance Victoria (AV) personnel, including two locals, were recently awarded Ambulance Service Medals (ASM) in this year’s national Australian Honours List.
Medical Director Associate Professor Dr David Anderson, Maffra Advanced Life Support Paramedic Josephine O’Doherty, Yarrawonga Team Manager Stephen Ralph, Gippsland Regional Support Manager Edward Wright, and locals Hume Director Regional and Clinical Operations Narelle Capp and Kinglake Community Emergency Response Team volunteer Bartholomew Wunderlich were each recognised for their incredible achievements, service, and contribution to their communities as nominated by their peers.
Receiving the award for her significant contributions to innovation, cultural reforms, and female leadership empowerment, Ms Capp has held various leadership roles while maintaining her operational capacity as an ambulance paramedic, team manager, senior team manager, and area manager.
Her dedication to improving ambulance services in Victoria’s alpine areas was a particularly notable accomplishment that saw her lead the introduction of new snow vehicles and several specialist training programs.
Her achievements highlight her commitment to improving ambulance services and work conditions for all ambulance personnel.
A long serving member of AV, Mr Wunderlich first began as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer in Kinglake in 2005. He has held leadership roles for 18 of his 19 years with AV, provided first aid at community events, and spearheaded the establishment of Kinglake’s ambulance station in 2013.
During the Black Saturday fires, Mr Wunderlich risked his life to assist others—earning him recognition for his bravery—while his testimony in the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission drove critical changes in emergency response protocols. Following the fires, he was instrumental in rebuilding the Kinglake CERT.
Known for his unwavering dedication, Mr Wunderlich has successfully mentored future paramedics and supported challenging emergencies, all while balancing his duties at Northern Hospital Epping.
The Review would like to congratulate each of the recipients on their outstanding achievements and commitment to community health and service.