Jim Sleep

“The Committee are saddened to notify our membership of the passing of our Life Member Mr. William (Jim) Sleep.

Jim passed away on Tuesday 29/07/2025 at the grand age of 96 years.

Jim had an interesting career in ambulance serving in both the Wimmera and Ballarat area as well as serving on the board of ASV Wimmera District and Chair of Western Region before amalgamation.

We pass our sincere condolences on to Jim’s family and friends.

The funeral will be held at Tobin Brothers, Doveton Park, 1251 Doveton Street North, Ballarat at 10:30 on Thursday 7th August 2025.”

Ron Arbon

On behalf of the Committee it is with sadness that we confirm the passing of our Life Member Ron Arbon.
Ron was well known in the industry having worked in many parts of the state during his career.
Ron passed away yesterday after battling an illness for some time.
We pass on our sincere condolences to Pam and the Arbon family and to all who knew him.
There will be a private funeral in Kerang and a live link is expected to be available which we will notify you of if possible.

 

TRAAVI Update

The Association has been evolving rapidly in the past 17 months.
With the aims of improved cybersecurity, simplicity and accuracy, the Executive & Committee of Management of The Retired Ambulance Association of Victoria Inc have updated all administrative processes, documentation and the TRAAVI website.
The prime reason is to allow us more time to focus on the aims of the organisation, put simply, the care & welfare of the Association’s members.
We have:
 Re-established an on-going working relationship with key industry organisations, namely AV and the VAU.
 Developed Partnerships with selected services providers offering financial, legal, aged care, health & welfare advice, all are listed on our website
 Arranged free membership (for TRAAVI members) to the BlueLight Card provides significant discounts on everyday purchases from widely known brands & supermarkets.
In doing all this we have failed to recognise significant milestones for some of our members…. well, that changes as of today.
In recent months milestone memberships have been achieved and badges issued in recognition.
Congratulations & thanks for years of support go to the following members.
25 years
               Ken Atkinson
               Alan Oakes
15 years
               Les Hotchin
               Mal Peters
               Geoff Quennell
               Dusty Rhodes
               Brian Shott
              Jim Spanswick
10 years
               Norm Burville
               Peter Cain
               Dave Calder
               Kevin Cannon
              Julianne Casey
               Brian Cass
               Terry Courtney
               Ken Curtis
               Peter Donovan
               Darrell Douglas
               Colin Gaskell
               Neville Hettick
               Garry Hodson
               Henry Johnson
               Margaret Kerr
               Brian Mellor
               Stan Paley
               Rob Phillips
               Merrilyn Raft
              Joseph Spronken
               Colin Street
               Darryl Wells
               Bruce Westerland
               Greg Wood

Stephen Hall – East Gippsland District.

The funeral service of Mr Stephen Hall of Bairnsdale will be held at Stephen Baggs Funeral Chapel, 613 Main Street, Bairnsdale, on Friday (Mar. 7), 2025, at 1.30pm.
Private Burial
Stephen, of Bairnsdale. Passed away peacefully on 27th February 2025, after a short battle with lung cancer, aged 72 years.
Dearly loved husband of Judy, married for 49 wonderful years.
Cherished father and father-in-law of Mark and Jane, Peter and Nerida.Proud Poppy of Tayla, Antwone, and Amirah; Jessica; Wilson; Cooper; and Hudson .Resting peacefully at the golf course in the sky.

Steve’s history, he was a student in 1981/2 at East Gippsland Ambulance Service initially in Sale but later he moved to Bairnsdale branch. Steve graduated in MICA in the late ‘90’s and later moved on to Lakes Entrance branch as part of their expansion from a 2 officer branch to a 5 officer branch.

Steve retired from ambulance in 2007 and elected to cart golf balls instead of people. He was a regular contributor to TRAAVI in East Gippsland and always had a smile for everyone. He will be sorely missed.

Interim Treasurer Appointed

The RAAVI Committee are pleased to announce that Warrick Jackson has accepted the role as the Interim Treasurer of the Association.

Warrick has had an interesting career in Ambulance as an Ambulance Paramedic, in HR on Payroll processing, Workcover, Recruitment, Salary budgeting and Industrial Relations.

After Ambulance his ongoing studies which includes Accountancy & Business, Computing and Electronics plus Engineering.

Warrick’s broad skillset and experience will be a valuable addition to the TRAAVI Committee.

Steve Mulligan
President.