QAS Central Region Theodore Ambulance Station Centenary

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Les Hotz and Councillors; Queensland Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner, Central Region, Mr Robbie Medlin ASM, Queensland Ambulance Service Deputy Commissioner, Operations North and Rural and Remote, Ms Kari Arbouin and members of the QAS; distinguished guests.

I also begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, to First Nations people here today, and thank local traditional custodian, Wulli Wulli Elder and Vietnam veteran, Mr Noel Pope, for his Welcome to Country.

I am so delighted that my first official Vice-Regal visit to Theodore coincides with the Centenary of the town, and of course, this Ambulance Service that has served it so superbly over the past one hundred years.

This weekend is a momentous one for Theodore, as the community comes together to celebrate its history, its achievements, and the people who have made their mark on Theodore’s character and success.

There is no doubt that the regional ambulance service we are honouring today—like so many around our State—was built on the determination and generosity of local people, who knew that providing prompt emergency care to the sick and injured, was also crucial to the ongoing viability of the town itself.

Even once the service began operating, inventive fund-raising ventures such as bazaars, sports-days, dances and even a flower and baby show, made sure that hard-earned funds were allocated towards constant and continual improvement.

Over the years, while medical care has advanced, and the ambulances themselves have been become much more comfortable and better equipped than those first rustic cars, the determination to provide exceptional care remains as resolute as it was back in 1924.

Preserving your heritage is important, because organisations like this only thrive as a result of generations of hard work and passion. There is no doubt, that this commitment to community has saved countless lives, and will continue to do so into the future.

I am very much looking forward to learning more about the history of the Ambulance Station from the next speaker, Manager of History and Heritage for the QAS, Mr Mick Davis.

Shortly, we will also pay tribute to those who have served the Theodore Ambulance Service with distinction. These incredible QAS Officers, Emergency Drivers and Committee Members demonstrate the skill, expertise and responsibility of a service that is always ready to leap into action to help others.

I congratulate the awardees, the entire Theodore Ambulance Service and those representing the QAS Central Region, for the often-confronting work you do, each and every day, and who are so capably supported by the staff at Monto Hospital.

This is a wonderful time for your community, yet I also know that organising an event such as this takes enormous time and effort.

I therefore thank the Theodore Centenary Organiser, Mrs Anne Chater, Mayor Ferrier and Councillors, and all QAS staff who have contributed to this morning’s special event, as well as the many enthusiastic supporters who have made this whole fabulous weekend of festivities happen.

I am so proud to shortly be unveiling the Centenary Plaque, and cutting the Centenary Cake, and am delighted to have this chance to chat with you over a cuppa.

Congratulations and happy 100^th birthday Theodore Ambulance Station!