Memorial Gathering – Edward “Ted” Van Dyken

Following the recent passing of Edward “Ted” Van Dyken, a memorial gathering will be held at the Ambulance Museum, to remember Ted and acknowledge his contribution to the ambulance community.

Ted did not wish to have a formal funeral.

At the request of Ted’s family, this gathering will be an opportunity for friends, former colleagues and members of the ambulance community to come together, share memories and celebrate Ted’s life and remember him together.

 

Ted was deeply committed to the welfare and connection of ambulance colleagues, particularly those who had retired from the service. Ted was the creator the Signal 8 Facebook page community, which quickly grew requiring him to recruit fellow colleague Andrew Wilson to help administer the page.

Signal 8 continues to help keep many within the ambulance family connected, Ted’s legacy.

 

All who knew Ted, or worked with him during his career, are warmly invited to attend the Memorial:

11:00 am: on Tuesday 24 March

Ambulance Museum

1/55 Barry Street

Bayswater VIC 3153 

To assist with catering please RSVP by Friday March 20 via phone or text to Rob Van Dyken 0432 407 190.

 

Following the memorial, those who wish to continue sharing memories are invited to gather from 12:30pm at:

 

Bayswater Hotel – Sports Bar

780 Mountain Highway

Bayswater VIC

 

 

Edward “Ted” Van Dyken

TRAAVI Member No. 1020

The Retired Ambulance Association of Victoria (TRAAVI) on behalf of members regrets to advise the passing of Edward “Ted” Van Dyken on 9 March 2026, aged 78.
Ted joined TRAAVI in March 1991 and remained a committed member of the Association for 35 years. Prior to retirement he completed 12 years of service within the ambulance profession, retiring in 1987. Throughout his retirement Ted remained very mindful of the welfare of paramedics, particularly those who had retired from active service, and the importance of maintaining contact with former colleagues.
In keeping with this interest, Ted was one of the key people involved in establishing the Signal 8 Facebook community many years ago. Signal 8 – a term familiar to ambulance personnel – has grown into an important forum where both serving and retired paramedics share news, reconnect with colleagues and support one another. Ted recognised early the value of keeping people connected and the positive impact this could have on the wellbeing of ambulance colleagues.
Ted recently suffered a fall and was admitted to hospital with fractured ribs and pneumonia. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Ted’s legacy through helping initiate and develop the Signal 8 community will continue to support connection, welfare and camaraderie among ambulance colleagues for many years to come.
TRAAVI extends its sincere condolences to Ted’s partner Fiona, and to his family, friends and colleagues.
Funeral arrangements will be circulated to members once details become available.

Ian Dale

Life Member 1137
The Retired Ambulance Association of Victoria (TRAAVI) on behalf of members acknowledges the passing of Ian Edward Dale on 25 February 2026, aged 85 years.
Ian joined Ambulance Service Melbourne in June 1977, working at Headquarters in La Trobe Street and the Caulfield Branch. He was appointed to MICA in February 1981 and went on to serve in a number of leadership roles, including Assistant Station Officer (MICA 4), Station Officer at MICA 3 and MICA 5, and later Group Manager. He also served as Manager of Rosters and was seconded to the Bureau of Emergency Services Telecommunications at Intergraph, where he managed the Quality Review Team.
Ian retired from operational duties in 2004, transferring to Community Education, and concluded his ambulance career in 2016 after many years of dedicated service.
Ian was a well-respected member of the ambulance community. This was evident recently when his son Andrew, a MICA Flight Paramedic, shared that Ian had entered palliative care. The large number of responses from colleagues reflected the high regard in which he was held. Many spoke of his professionalism, steady leadership, and the guidance he provided throughout their careers.
Ian joined TRAAVI in 2011 and was a valued Life Member.
TRAAVI extends sincere condolences to his partner Valerie, children Andrew, Kerry and extended families, also to his many colleagues and friends. Ian’s contribution to ambulance services in Victoria will be remembered with respect.
Celebration of the Life of Ian Dale, will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, 733 Boronia Rd Wantirna, Wednesday 4 Marth 2026 at 10:30 AM
Service will be streamed at:   http://www.heritagefunerals.com.au/upcoming-services/

Terry Taylor

Terence (Terry) Taylor – Member 1316
TRAAVI acknowledges with sadness the passing of Terence “Terry” Taylor on 5 February 2026, aged 71.
Terry’s ambulance career began remarkably early, joining the former Geelong and District Ambulance Service as a cadet as a young teenager in 1969. He went on to serve as an Ambulance Officer across several Victorian services, including South Gippsland, North East District, and the Ambulance Service Melbourne, retiring in 1990.
Terry’s service came during a very different era of ambulance operations, when more than sixteen independent ambulance services existed across Victoria, long before the unified statewide service we know today. His career reflected dedication, adaptability, and commitment to patient care through a time of significant change in the profession.
Terry joined TRAAVI in 2017 and remained a valued member.
TRAAVI extends sincere condolences to Terry’s family, friends, and former colleagues. His contribution to the ambulance service and the Association is respectfully remembered.

Jim SPANSWICK

Vale James (Jim) SPANSWICK
Sadly, Jim SPANSWICK passed away at home on the 7 January 2026 (aged 89) under the care of his wife Hannah (better known as Hannah SELLERS a well-known advocate for Nurses) after a short illness.
Jim joined AV in January 1974, working in various Branches, Camberwell, MICA 4 & MICA 2, Nunawading, Caulfield and Comm’s in La Trobe St before retiring in January 1990.
Typically, Jim requested that he did not want to have a funeral service. He was still telling jokes right to the end. And of course, being a strong Scotchman, he enjoyed his daily medication being a Dram of Scotch.
Having worked with Jim there were many stories and a couple that spring to mind being;
• MICA 4 nightshifts and a certain Pizza Shop in the Ivanhoe area
• DECCA driver training. Jim at the wheel heading down Swanston St, out comes the cigarette, down goes the window shouting at the traffic and pedestrians to get out of the way. From memory DECCA had a “No Smoking Policy” in the car, didn’t worry Jim.
The other aspect of Jim perhaps unknown to many, he mentored several young Ambos at Caulfield (self-included) with a strong “carrot & stick” approach encouraging all to expand our knowledge and skills.
Gone but not never forgotten.
“Acknowledged with a good single malt scotch in hand”.
Steve Mulligan

Ronald Callaway

It is with deep regret that we inform members of the passing of Ronald “Ron” Callaway, aged 92, a respected former member of the Retired Ambulance Association, Melbourne, Victoria.
Ron proudly served the community through the Central Victoria District Ambulance Service, beginning his career in Bendigo from 1956 to 1960, before transferring to Kyneton, where he served from 1 January 1960 until his retirement in April 1990.
Throughout his long and dedicated career, Ron was known for his professionalism, commitment, and steady leadership. At the time of his retirement, he held the position of Station Officer at Kyneton, a role in which he guided and supported many paramedics who served alongside him.
The Retired Ambulance Association extends its sincere condolences to Ron’s family, friends, and former colleagues. His service and contribution to the Victorian ambulance community will be remembered with gratitude.
Ron Callaways memorial service will be held on the 26th of November at 10.30 am at TJ Scott and son funeral directors 5 Piper Street Kyneton. It will also be live streamed.

David Cramer

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our colleague and friend, David Cramer, on Wednesday, 12 November.
David was a valued member of the Retired Ambulance Association and had been in care in recent times. His loss is felt by all who served alongside him and by those who knew the depth of his commitment to the profession.
David commenced his journey with Ambulance Victoria in July 1987, following his time as a volunteer with the Sunbury Branch reporting to Bendigo. After completing his training, he began his operational career at City Branch, where he also provided support across many Melbourne branches. His dedication to clinical excellence led him to qualify as a MICA Paramedic, after which he transferred to MICA 9 in Laverton, a branch he would call home for many years.
David retired from Ambulance Victoria in August 2012, leaving behind a proud legacy of service, professionalism, and kindness. His dedication to patient care, education, and innovation enriched our organisation and touched countless lives.
We have been advised that a funeral service for David will be held in the Cordell Chapel at Fawkner Cemetery on Tuesday 25 November at 11.30am.
Members and colleagues who wish to pay their respects are warmly invited to attend.
Members are requested to wear TRAAVI attire. Davids service will also be live-streamed 
We extend our heartfelt condolences to David’s family, friends, and former colleagues.
His service will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, David

Bert Martin

It is with regret that we inform our members of the passing of Bert “Bugsy” Martin at the age of 92, on the 14th October 2025.
Bert was well known in the Metropolitan Region, particularly at Waverley branch where he was Station Officer for many years. Bert retired to Phillip Island and was a Life Member of TRAAVI.
We pass on our sincere condolences to Bert’s family and friends at this sad time.
Funeral details –
The funeral mass will be conducted at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 6 Cowes-Rhyll Rd, Cowes at 1330 hrs. on 30th October 2025.
TRAAVI members attending are requested to wear TRAAVI uniform if possible.
If you are unable to attend a link for the funeral can be found here.

Wounded Heroes Australia’s first-ever Melbourne fundraising event Saturday, 15 November (click)

We’re excited to share with you Wounded Heroes Australia’s first-ever Melbourne fundraising event – Ride 4 Heroes – Motorcycle Event at Calder Park!

 

📅 Saturday, 15 November

📍 Calder Park Raceway

🕗 Gates open from 8am

🎟️ Park Entry $20* – RSVP’s via Try booking https://www.trybooking.com/DDCVH

🏍️ Licenced Motorbike Riders – Purchase your Calder Park Hot Lap entry on the day – $10 per lap.