Two outstanding Ambulance Victoria (AV) first responder have been named finalists in a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (Vic RESCA) celebrate excellence and selfless service across Victoria’s emergency services.
AV Maldon community emergency response team (CERT) leader Annette Gillam and Sea Lake ambulance community officer (ACO) Graeme McLean have both been recognised among just 30 finalists statewide across all emergency service agencies.
Ms Gillam has been nominated for Rotary Districts of Victoria Emergency Service Officer of the Year in the volunteer category.
According to AV, with more than 15 years of service to the Maldon CERT, she has long been known as a reliable, compassionate, and community-minded volunteer, and the nomination acknowledges not only her tireless work with the organisation, but also her deep commitment to other aspects of her local community through the Maldon Historical Society and Maldon Bowling Club.
“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised for work that feels so natural to me. Our volunteers don’t do this for awards, we do it because our community matters,” Ms Gillam said.
“When you’re part of an emergency response team, you’re not just helping individuals, you’re supporting an entire community. Being nominated isn’t about me, it’s about highlighting the incredible work our volunteers do every single day,” she said.
“Sometimes just showing up and being willing to help can make a real difference. That’s what volunteering is all about.”
Mr McLean has been nominated for Rotary Districts of Victoria Emergency Service Officer of the Year in the paid category.
The nomination recognises more than 13 years of dedicated service in his dual role as a farmer and ACO in Sea Lake.
According to AV, Mr McLean consistently makes himself available to support his community, balancing his role as an ACO with the responsibilities of running his family farm, and beyond his clinical care, he plays a vital role in community education, delivering CPR and first aid training and leading local health promotion efforts.
“It’s a privilege to support my local community – these are my neighbours, friends and family,” Mr McLean said.
“Whether I’m in the paddock or in the ambulance, I’m always ready to help,” he said.
AV Loddon Mallee director of regional and clinical operations Matt McCrohan said both finalists exemplify what it means to serve with heart and dedication.
“They go above and beyond for their communities every day – this recognition is a reflection of the impact they’ve had across regional Victoria,” Mr McCrohan said.
The winners of the 2025 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards will be announced at a gala dinner at Essendon Fields on Saturday, September 6.
