Condingup Ambulance and Volunteers

History

Discussions to have an ambulance based in Condingup began in 1980. A First Aid Course was held in Condingup June 1984 run by Tom & Jean Reimers. Eight weeks later 23 students completed Senior First Aid Certificates. A certificate presentation tea was held at the Country Club, where volunteers for Ambulance Officers were called for. 9 people volunteered. Of the original 9, Julie Watkins is the only remaining officer.

In January 1985, under the leadership of Brian Harries, a Condingup committee was formed, and became a sub branch of Esperance St John Ambulance. In June a Dodge ambulance was housed in the shed at the residence of Brian and Lesley Harries. The roster began on 7th June.

On 21st February 1986 a building license was granted and a steel framed/clad shed which would incorporate the fire truck and ambulance was built on Lot 144 Carey Street Condingup. The cost of the shed was valued at $3,420 being paid by local bushfire brigades - Condingup, Howick and Mt Beaumont.

Condingup Ambulance being kept shipshape by Sue McKenzie

In the years that followed numbers of volunteers varied greatly. The vans were gradually upgraded and the Ambulance Officers sat for their Grade 1 & Grade 11 level exams.

In 2004 ambulance officers numbers reached a crisis point where numbers were so low that the ambulance service was withdrawn. At a community meeting with the Esperance St John Ambulance Committee the community were given challenge to find a team of at least ten volunteers to have the ambulance return. Condingup rallied to find numbers. April 2005 saw the graduation of 12 new ambulance officers.

Today we have a team of 16 officers and a number of other volunteer support personnel. We train monthly in Condingup and always welcome new members.

The Condingup team is continually supported financially, with training and encouragement by the Esperance St John Ambulance Committee. If you would like further information please contact Esperance Sub Centre office 90711618 or one of the following officers.

Condingup Chairperson - Greg Hatton
Vice Chairperson - Joanne Nankivell
Secretary - Lesley Schlink
Trainer - Donna Hyatt
Maintenance Coordinator - Conrad Lowe
Roster Coordinator - Charllotte Della Vedova
Esperance Committee Delegate - Julie Watkins
Recruitment Personnel - Sandy Crabb / Mel Lay

Condingup Ambulance and Volunteers

History

Contact Details

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