VALE TONY WALKER ASM – MEMBER 1494
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we inform members of the passing of our respected colleague and friend, Anthony “Tony” Walker ASM, who passed away today, 20th July 2026, at the age of 63.
Tony was a dedicated life-long servant to the Victorian community and a true leader in pre-hospital care. He first joined the Victorian Ambulance Service on 10th February 1986, embarking on an extraordinary career as a paramedic. His exceptional skills and commitment naturally led him into clinical leadership roles, where his vision continued to shape the service.
Upon his retirement on 22nd October 2022, Tony concluded a distinguished tenure as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ambulance Victoria—a position he held with immense pride and integrity for almost a decade. His profound impact on the profession earned him the prestigious Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).
Tony joined the Retired Ambulance Association of Victoria (TRAAVI) shortly after his retirement in November 2022, remaining a proud part of our MetroWest district. He was a deeply admired paramedic, an inspirational leader, and an administrator who achieved monumental positive change throughout his career.
On behalf of the Committee and all members of TRAAVI, we extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Tony’s partner, Robyn Cameron, his family, loved ones, and former colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
Details regarding funeral arrangements and service information will be shared with members once they become available.
Rest in peace, Tony. Your legacy lives on.
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Victorian Ambulance Cadet History Project – Call for Participants
The Retired Ambulance Association of Victoria (TRAAVI) is pleased to support this important research project being conducted through the Department of Paramedicine at Monash University by Peter O’Meara and Ken Curtis.
This study aims to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of the Victorian Ambulance Service Cadet Program of the 1960s and 1970s — a program that played a significant role in shaping ambulance services and paramedic education in Victoria.
We encourage former cadets, or the families of those who were part of the program, to consider participating. This is an opportunity to ensure that the experiences, contributions and legacy of cadets are properly recorded and recognised.
Participation involves completing a short online questionnaire (approximately 15–25 minutes), with the option to contribute additional information, documents or a short personal biography.
TRAAVI recognises the importance of preserving our shared history and acknowledges the efforts of Peter and Ken in undertaking this work.
For further information provided by Peter & Ken and to participate, please access the link provided below.
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/