The Allan Labor Government has delivered a new state-of-the-art ambulance station in Avoca, giving paramedics the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to local emergencies and save lives.
Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today met with local paramedics - who provide care to communities across the Pyrenees, including Elmhurst, Amphitheatre, Dunolly, Lexton, Learmonth and Maryborough - to officially open the new station on Rowe Street.
Ambulance services in Avoca have grown, and now the branch has grown with them.
In 2021, the Avoca branch was upgraded to a dual paramedic crew. Now the station operates 24/7 with seven paramedics on a rotating roster, to support the community around the clock.
The new station includes a three-bay ambulance garage, two rest and recline areas, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, improved security and car parking and relievers quarters.
The original branch at 13 Leibeg Street will be used for paramedic accommodation.
The Government has invested in even better ambulance services across regional Victoria by increasing the number of dual paramedic 24-hour ambulance stations and dedicated units that can respond to peak periods of demand.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 also provided more than $200 million to improve access to emergency care - including an additional $46 million towards training 40 MICA paramedics, getting 25 specialist paramedic practitioners on the road and supporting the new Centre for Excellence in Paramedicine.
To help paramedics meet demand and respond to the most time-critical patients, a further $108 million has been delivered to support the Secondary Triage Service and the Medium Acuity Transport Service.
As stated by Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas
"We're making sure the dedicated local paramedics in Avoca have a modern, safe station to support them in doing what they do best - saving lives and caring for their community."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"This new state-of-the-art ambulance station will make sure our paramedics are well rested and taken care of, so they can continue delivering world-class, lifesaving care when and where the Avoca community needs it."
