The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a new state-of-the-art ambulance branch in Rochester, supporting its hardworking paramedics to do what they do best - save lives in their community.
Minister for Ambulance Services Gabrielle Williams today joined local paramedics to inspect their soon-to-be complete home base that will feature modern amenities, enhancing safety, security, and capabilities at the branch.
Once complete later this month, the bigger and better facility will include a three-bay garage for ambulances, two rest and recline areas for paramedics to recuperate, longer term accommodation, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, car parking, and improved security to make sure crews are safe right around the clock.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority and builder Bowden Corporation, the project involved knocking down the old and no longer fit-for-purpose Rochester Ambulance Station on Mackay Street.
Servicing the Campaspe region, the new station is just one that is being delivered across regional Victoria, with paramedics in towns such as Euroa, Avoca, and Paynesville to soon operate from safer, more modern home bases.
It is part of the Labor Government's ongoing support of Ambulance Victoria infrastructure, with $279 million invested since 2015 to deliver 51 ambulance stations, providing better working conditions for paramedics and ensuring lifesaving emergency care is available for all Victorians.
Since coming to Government, a total of more than $2 billion has been invested in ambulance services, doubling our on-road workforce with 2,200 more paramedics on the road since 2014.
We're also delivering on the all the election commitments we made to the Victorian people with funding in this year's budget to employ and train 40 new Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance employees.
The Labor Government is also delivering Australia's first Paramedic Practitioners with a master's course at Monash University from 2024, with at least 25 paramedic practitioners trained and on the road by 2026.
A new Centre for Paramedicine at Victoria University is also establishing the next generation of paramedics, providing advanced teaching methods - with a capacity to train around 1,500 paramedic students each year.
As stated by Minister for Ambulance Services Gabrielle Williams
"Our paramedics are the very best of us, and in regional areas like Rochester, we know locals rely on their expertise, compassion and commitment in times of crisis - making this new station all the more important."
"The new Rochester Ambulance Station will provide paramedics a fit-for-purpose workplace with the latest equipment and facilities to keep them safe and ensure they can deliver world class care to their community."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Rochester locals know better than most, the pivotal support our emergency services play in the worst of times - it is wonderful the town's paramedics will soon have the new, modern home base they deserve."
