Friday April 26
ANNOUNCING
RAAV forms Partnership with Dispatch Discounts
At the recent quarterly RAAV committee meeting a proposal to form a partnership between the two organisations was ratified.
We are pleased to announce that this partnership was formally signed today.
Dispatch Discounts is an emerging, online, for profit platform for commercial providers of goods, trades & services to promote their businesses to a broad but well defined customer base.
Dispatch Discounts target their support at emergency services, defence, healthcare, and education professionals by inviting them to join at no cost, to access member only discounts offered by commercial subscribers.
These subscribers pay an annual fee on a sliding scale based on the geography of their target market be that national, state, regional or local areas.
Commercial subscribers then offer discounts on their goods & services exclusive to Dispatch Discounts customer members within those geographies.
Dispatch Discounts whilst being a for profit organisation, provide a portion of their income to support first responder organisations such as RAAV.
If you’re interested in joining you can do so at https://dispatchdiscounts.com.au/
When RAAV members sign up to DD they should select “RAAV” from the list of occupations.
This enables access to further discounts from DD & its commercial subscribers.
Think of membership as providing access to Seniors Card discounts for first responders.
For further information contact:
Graham Douglas
m: 0450 319 111
e: membership@retiredambulancevictoria.org.au
Tuesday April 23
At the RAAV Committee meeting today Our Chaplain/Advisor shared an ANZAC tale he had come across. An appropriate story for this time of year….
Fighting Mac
I am often asked what a Chaplain does.
It’s a great question and the answer is as diverse as the work of Ambulance Victoria itself. Mostly we are there to pastorally care for our staff and their families, to listen, to share a coffee and support in ways that are very specific to our role as on the ground Chaplains.
In my previous life, as a Salvation Army Officer, I was also in this similar situation of care for people at varying stages of their lives. As we approach ANZAC Day, I felt to share with you a brief glimpse into the life of a famous Salvo Chaplain from World War One.
His name was “Fighting Mac” …The life of World War One Salvation Army chaplain William Mackenzie, or ‘Fighting Mac’ as he would become known, is well known around the world and is an Aussie legend in his own right.
Chaplain to the First Infantry Brigade, Fighting Mac went ashore with the troops at Gallipoli. In one three-day period, he conducted 647 funerals and after one funeral service he found three bullet-holes in his hat. He was later awarded a Military Cross for his work, an honour virtually unheard of for a military chaplain.
You might be interested to google more information around Fighting Mac for your own understanding.
Chaplains and their role are often very misunderstood.
People think about the religious connotation that often comes with the label.
However, we are much more than just about spirituality. You will find Chaplains in every area of Emergency services, Military, and a variety of other forms in Australia.
We are here to serve and support our people, at often very difficult times of their lives.
I am inspired by the service of those who have gone before us. People just like Fighting Mac.
As we pause to remember this ANZAC day and all those people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, let us offer our deepest respect to all who served.
Even the Chaplains.
LEST WE FORGET.
Gary Grant Senior Chaplain
Pastoral Care Lead Ambulance Victoria
Tuesday April 16
With sadness we advise….
(Taken from Facebook page Signal 8- ASV)
Hi all, for those wishing to pay their respects, funeral details for Graham Ryan have been confirmed.
Friday, April 26th at 2pm.
City of Melbourne bowls club – Flagstaff Gardens
Graham’s family have requested those who wish to attend, do so in ceremonial uniform.
The service will be lead by an AV Chaplin, with pipes and drums to support a guard of honor at the conclusion of the service.
If you have any questions please reach out.
While not a member of the Retired Ambulance Association Victoria we honour Graham’s contribution and his service.
Wednesday April 3
Recently updated RAAV Policy documents have been added here
Thursday March 28
The latest RAAV Newsletter can be read here
Monday February 19
Frontline Wellness reflects the belief and passion of current serving VICPOL member Elise,a certified Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher and recently retired VICPOL member, Hayley.
Together they provide Trauma Informed Yoga classes designed and delivered by First Responders for current, veteran and retired First Responders.
Classes combine posture, movement and breathing practices, together with a focused awareness of the body in the present moment. This style of yoga is restorative and trauma informed, incorporating a balance of strengthening and relaxing shapes to help build resilience to stress.
Some benefits of yoga include:
These classes are suitable for beginners, people of all ages and folks who have never considered yoga as a wellness option.
Classes are particularly suitable for anyone who may be experiencing stress, low mood, or post-traumatic stress.
Classes are held weekly:
Classes are sponsored by the 000 Foundation
For more information and to book a class.
Checkout … Book My Mat at www.frontlinewellness.com.au
Thursday February 8
Vale: Dr David Hunt
We recently became aware that Dr David Hunt (rtd) passed away in early January 2024.
Dr Hunt was one of team of medical staff from the Royal Melbourne who assisted Dr Graeme Sloman (rtd), known as the “Father of MICA” with the establishment of MICA back in September 1971.
Many MICA Paramedics will recall being “grilled” by Dr Hunt during their final MICA panel assessment, or handover a patient either at RMH Accident & Emergency or in the Coronary Care Unit.
Their passion, forethought and drive laid the foundation for arguably the premier Intensive and Advanced Life Support Paramedic system.
We are truly standing on their shoulders.
We can now provide…
……………. details of Brian Fallows funeral.
A requiem mass for Brian will be held on Thursday, February 15th at 11.30 at the St Thomas More Church, 313 Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza.
Should you choose to make a donation the following 4 charities are those that Brian supported…..
– St Vincent de Paul
– Red Cross
– Caritas
– Smith Family
Saturday February 3
With sadness we advise…
of the passing of Brian Fallows who passed away peacefully earlier today 3rd February 2024 with his family by his side.
Sheila and Terrie-Anne wish to thank all for the comments and thoughts posted during this sad time.
Brian passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
We pass on our condolences to Brian’s family and friends and while not a member of our Association, we honour Brian’s contribution to Ambulance and his passing will be deeply felt by many.
No funeral details are known at this time. They will be posted here once we have been advised.
Wednesday January 31
Funeral Notice
Kevin Masci
Please join Merryn, Nick, Laura, Vince, Hannah, Charly, Lauchlan and Olivia in celebrating Kevin’s life at Tobin Brothers Funerals 49 – 55 Main Street, Diamond Creek, Victoria
Friday 9th February 2024 at 10:00 AM at Tobin Brothers Funerals
Everyone most welcome
Monday January 29
With sadness we advise…
of the passing of Kevin Masci on Australia Day 26th January 2024 after a short illness.
Kevin was well known to many in the Metropolitan region but more recently as Regional Director in the Hume Region.
Although not a member of RAAV we give thanks to Kevin and his family for his service and pass on our sincere condolences to family and friends.
No funeral details are known at this stage.
Tuesday January 16
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Christopher Coucill on the 29th December 2023.
As a valued member of RAAV, since July 2006, we honour Chris’s service and pass our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
We are informed that Chris’s memorial service was conducted Sunday January 14.
Friday January 12
The entire RAAV Committee have recently been issued with new email addresses.
The organisation no longer relies on RAAV Gmail or personal email addresses for communications, instead, opting to use the RAAV domain name for email.
This is in accordance with common business practices and in line with it’s commitment to reform & the refocused direction of the organisation, to better serve its members.
The Committee’s new contact details are listed on the Contact page.
Saturday December 30
We have had the deaths of two wives of former staff of the Ambulance Service reported to us.
The first is Helen Fleuchar, the wife of Willie Fleuchar who was a reliever in the South West a number years ago. While Willie was not a Member of the Association I would like former work colleagues to know of the Funeral date and place. A Memorial Service will be held for Helen at the Camperdown Uniting Church, Cnr Leura and Barkly Streets, at 2pm Friday 5th January.
The second is Jean Henshaw, the wife of Vic Henshaw a former Member of the Association who worked for a number of years in the Ambulance Subscription Department in Melbourne. Jean’s funeral will be held at the Baptist Church, 207 Koroit Street Warrnambool, on Thursday 4th January at 2.30pm.
During this time while we are experiencing difficulty with our email system, could people receiving this notice please pass it on to others they know might be interested.
Jim Ballard
RAAV Secretary
Wednesday December 27
On behalf of the RAAV Committee we hope that you all have had an enjoyable Christmas.
You may remember that in our newsletter we let you know that due to some mail conflict, mainly with bigpond and our gmail account we found it necessary to find a solution to our communication barrier. Therefore, as a consequence we are from today progressively rolling out our new email addresses. The contact details for the RAAV secretary is now Secretary@retiredambulancevictoria.org.au. Other office bearers at RAAV will progressively be assigned to their new ‘@retiredambulancevictoria.org.au’
accounts.
The previous raav.secretary @gmail.com has been diverted to the new address but I would urge you to adjust your Outlook address book to reflect the new address. Hopefully our bigpond recipients can enjoy speedier communications with our office from now on.
Have a happy New Year one and all.
Kind regards
Jim Ballard
RAAV
Secretary
Secretary@retiredambulancevictoria.org.au
Saturday December 16
Download your copy of the latest RAAV newsletter.
Wednesday December 13
Last week we notified members of the sad passing of John ‘JK’ Kelly.
I promised that I would let our membership know of funeral arrangements when they came to hand.
The funeral will be next Wednesday 20thDecember at the Horsham Church of Christ at 11 AM.
There are some special arrangements if you would like to avail yourself of them:-
Prior to this service the hearse will take one last drive past the Horsham Ambulance Branch where Kirsty (John’s wife) has asked for his AV family to form a guard of honour, with 10 ml syringes charges at the ready to squirt the ‘cheeky bugger’ on his way past.
For those wishing to be a part of this occasion, please be at Horsham branch by 9:00 AM to collect your syringe and the guard will form shortly thereafter.
Please spread the word that is is John’s wish that everyone dons beautiful bright colours in place of AV uniform. No black is to be worn either.
Regards
Jim Ballard
Secretary,
RAAV
Friday December 8
Valé: John Kelly
It is with regret that we acknowledge the sudden passing of a valued colleague John “JK” Kelly, on Wednesday 6th December 2023, from the Grampians district.
While not a member of RAAV we honour John’s service and pass our deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends.
Please take the time to check on friends that may have been triggered by this event, even though retired, anyone feeling effected in a negative way is encouraged to make use of the MANERS (1800 626 377) 24 hours a day. Our Welfare officer Steve Mulligan is available should you wish to give him a call 0418 331 984.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Wednesday December 6
Valé: Wendy Barry
It is with sadness that we announce the death of our former CVDAS Bendigo office administration officer.
Wendy was a keen contributor the Ambulance Service and following her retirement the Retired Ambulance Association Victoria. We honour her dedication and service to our industry.
The funeral service is to be held at:
Saint Paul’s Cathedral @ 6 Myers St Bendigo
on Tuesday 12 December at 10:30 AM
It is Wendy’s wish that a Guard of Honour be formed outside the church.
A video link is being arranged and will be made available on this Bulletin Board
We convey our condolences to Wendy’s family and work colleagues.
Tuesday December 5
Former Station Officer, 90 y.o, Kevin Sadler attended his first RAAV luncheon today, accompanied by his son, Michael.
Some two hours of reminiscing later, a good portion of that time with his first training officer, one Russell “Mr. Melways” King, Kevin was presented with his Lifetime Membership Award by the RAAV President Greg Wood.
Bryan & Dawn Cass also received awards for outstanding & dedicated service to RAAV over the past 8 years. Their awards being presented by Ben Ellis, RAAV Treasurer.
Bryan is the Coordinator for RAAV’s Metro-South District, today’s luncheon was attended by over 44 local members.
Thanks for hosting a great luncheon Bryan, the Committee appreciates your efforts greatly.
PS Greg, you’re not at work now .
Tuesday November 28
Pastoral Care Advisor
AV Senior Chaplain Gary Grant has been seconded to assist the RAAV Committee.
To date he has been “observing” at meetings over a number of months and recently became a member of RAAV being the very first serving member of Ambulance Victoria to do so.
Gary’s involvement highlights the refocused direction of the Organisation under a rejuvenated Executive & Committee.
Gary brings a wealth of experience from the pastoral care and welfare sectors. He will assist and provide advice to the Committee as we develop our Wellbeing and Welfare Support program.
As a member of the Signal 8 Facebook page, he particularly enjoys Ambulance humour and the “tall tales”.
Please welcome him to the RAAV organisation.
Signed RAAV Committee
Monday November 27th
A Letter from the RAAV Caravan Club Coordinator ……
Hello one and all,
I would like to introduce myself to you.
My name is Anne Akers, married to retired Paramedic, Neil Akers for nearly 29 years.
On Sunday 22nd October 2023, I took over the position of co-ordinator for the RAAV Caravan group.
I would like to extend an invitation to you, to join us at our next get together. It will be from the 18th – 25th March 2024, inclusive, at Phillip Island.
The exact location, and prices will be supplied once I finalise all the booking details. Neil and I will be going to Phillip Island to check out the caravan parks for a suitable one. There will also be cabins made available as well as powered sites.
Please contact me on 0409 521 003 or email anne.akers@bigpond.com if you would like further details or if you want to let me know your intentions of attending
I look forward in being able to meet and catch up with as many of you as possible.
Thanking you and happy caravanning.
Cheers
Anne Akers.
Home is where my caravan takes me.
Friday November 24th
The Executive & the Committee of Management will meet in early December to approve the creation of a new look & feel to the Organisation’s website.
One that reflects the reinvigorated focus on the Wellness & Welfare of all members of the Ambulance industry.
Whether you are a current, former, full or part time, administrative or frontline employee this is your Organisation, your network of friends & support by your friends & colleagues.
Watch this space for news on the progress toward a website with a new feel & functionality.
VALÉ: Shirley James
30th October 2023
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley, wife of Charlie James.
Shirley passed away after a short period in hospital.
Charlie, a Life Member of the Retired Ambulance Association Victoria, was a well-respected senior officer with the former Peninsular Ambulance Service and later as a Control District Superintendent with the reformed Metropolitan Ambulance Service.
We pass on our sincere condolences to Charlie and his family at this sad time.
A private funeral was held for Shirley earlier this month.
Recent News
Welfare for our Members and families:
An upgrade to our Welfare program has commenced within the Association and we are seeking Members willing to take on the role as Welfare Liaison Officer within each District to be able to assist as necessary. Further information on the Welfare page.
Please read this response and if any member wishes a copy of the original article a copy can be obtained from our Secretary.
A New Partnership for Members
Charity Partnership Opportunity with Willed
Please give this some thought.