Ambulance Victoria (AV) is celebrating its remarkable mums this Mother's Day and acknowledge the impressive contributions they're making to their communities and their families.
Balmoral mum Bev Cumerford has always been a role model for her children, so when she decided to sign up as an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) in the state's south-west, it wasn't long until her daughters Samantha and Kylee followed suit.
(L-R): Samatha Cumerford, Kylee Cumerford and Bev Cumerford.
When they're not responding to the community's health needs, the family run the Balmoral Café and Caravan Park.
"We're obviously very close because we live and work together," Bev said.
"But when we pull on those AV uniforms it's different, we're teammates and I'm not mum anymore."
Bev said she joined the Balmoral ACO team because there was a need within the community.
"It's very rewarding and a privilege to be there for people at their time of need," Bev said.
"It can be very challenging due to the nature of the work, but that's one good thing about us living together, you come home after a job, and we can debrief about everything that went on which is very important."
L-R: Kylee, Bev and Samantha
ACOs are first responders, employed by Ambulance Victoria on a casual basis to work on call in rural and regional communities.
Southern Grampians Paramedic Community Support Coordinator Ed Crimmins said it would be hard to find more dedicated community members than the Cumerford's.
"They're so passionate about their town and are always willing to step-up and help if there's someone in need," Mr Crimmins said.
"Because of the town's remote location, the work of the ACO team is highly critical for the community's health needs."
Samantha said the family would spending Mother's Day doing what they always best, working.
"We always get a little gift for mum but we'll likely be very busy that day as other people come in to the cafe to celebrate their mums," she said.
L-R: Samantha, Kylee and Bev.
Samantha said becoming an ACO had been a life-changing experience.
"I feel very proud of the work I do as an ACO," she said.
"Every case we attend, you know you've made some difference."
She said the family makes a strong team, no matter which environment.
"The job is different but working together to get things done, that's not different," Samantha said.
Bev admits she can't help but worry a little when Samatha and Kylee are on shift together.
"Watching them go off makes me extremely proud, but I do always sit here and just hope they're ok until they get home,"' Bev said.
"No matter how old they are, that never changes as a mum."
