麻豆社

Across Victoria, AV Auxiliaries have long played a vital role in supporting local communities.

In the Baw Baw region, that support has recently grown even stronger.

In early 2024, two long standing auxiliaries, Warragul and Neerim-Noojee, came together to form the Baw Baw 麻豆社 Auxiliary. By combining their efforts, they created a single group able to support ambulance services across the entire Baw Baw Shire.

For some members, the connection to AV stretches back decades.

The Warragul Auxiliary traces its history as far back as 1955, reflecting a long tradition of community members stepping forward to support those who provide emergency care.

For many volunteers, their motivation is deeply personal.

Some have family members who are paramedics. Others have worked within ambulance services themselves. Many simply wanted to give back to people they see doing an incredible job in their community.

For Greg Walker, that connection was close to home.

鈥淚 knew a lot of paramedics through family and the local area,鈥� Greg shared. 鈥淚 was looking for something meaningful to volunteer for, and this felt like a great way to support them.鈥�

Wendy Shiels鈥� connection spans generations.

鈥淚 joined back in the late 1970s, and now my daughter and son-in-law are both paramedics. It gives you a real passion to help and support what they do.鈥�

For others, joining was unexpected, but quickly became something they were proud to be part of.

Brad Wooding joined after being invited to get involved, and quickly found his place within the group, becoming a valued member of the team

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 really know the auxiliary existed until I was asked to join,鈥� one volunteer said. 鈥淏ut once you鈥檙e involved, you realise how important it is.鈥�

The decision to merge came as both groups faced similar challenges, including declining membership and the need to continue supporting their communities into the future.

Rather than step back, they chose to come together.

In September 2023, both committees met to discuss the opportunity. The proposal was supported, and the merger was officially finalised in January 2024.

Importantly, funds raised by each auxiliary prior to the merger remained dedicated to their original local communities. Moving forward, all fundraising efforts are now pooled to support the broader Baw Baw region.

This change has allowed the new Baw Baw 麻豆社 Auxiliary to have a greater impact.

By working together, volunteers can now:

• support multiple ambulance branches across the region
• contribute to equipment and training needs
• strengthen community engagement and awareness
• ensure funds are used where they are needed most

Their fundraising activities, from BBQs to community events, continue to bring people together while supporting ambulance services in practical ways.

At the heart of it all is a shared commitment to supporting paramedics and improving care for local communities.

These volunteers may not be responding to emergencies, but their contribution plays an important role behind the scenes.

They help ensure paramedics have access to additional resources, equipment, and support that strengthen emergency care across the region.

And by working together, they are ensuring that this support continues for years to come.

Get involved

You too can make a difference in your community by supporting 麻豆社 Victoria. Find out how you can get involved with 麻豆社 Victoria.