Hundreds of NSW Ambulance staff were today recognised at a special ceremony, including the paramedics, clinicians and control centre staff who played an extraordinary role during the devastating Bondi Junction and Wakeley incidents earlier this year.
Among the award recipients was Inspector Brett Simpson, presented with the prestigious Commissioner’s Valour Medal – NSW Ambulance’s highest bravery award recognising distinguished performance of duties in circumstances of extreme peril.
Inspector Simpson was the first paramedic on scene at Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024 where he assumed the role of Forward Commander assessing and triaging patients across multiple floors of the shopping centre and directing the treatment of patients by the first four responding paramedic crews.
Honoured at the NSW Ambulance Awards and Recognition ceremony were staff who:
The Minister for Health’s Bursary Award for Excellence was presented to dietitian Chloe Larcombe for her outstanding and vital work as a health coach at NSW Ambulance, including the development of the Fresh Fuel Guide, a highly popular resource to support healthy eating by the NSW Ambulance workforce who due to the nature of their roles are at a higher risk of poor eating habits.
The NSW Ambulance Employee of the Year Award was presented to Benjamin Hollis for his involvement with the expansion of the Mid North Coast Local Health District Virtual Care model. Bejamin’s dedication to the collaborative project helped boost the growth of the initiative and improved the quality of care for the community.
Awards were presented* to:
*Not all attended today’s ceremony
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“Today we recognised the staff who have gone above and beyond in the face of challenging and dangerous circumstances, such as Inspector Brett Simpson, who showed incredible courage and leadership skills when managing the NSW Ambulance response at the Bondi Junction incident.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate all of the staff recognised today, particularly Employee of the Year Award Benjamin Hollis and The Minister for Health’s Bursary Award for Excellence Chloe Larcombe who received the Health Minister’s Bursary Award for Excellence for her work providing the entire team at NSW Ambulance with resources that will benefit the health and staff wellbeing for years to come.”
“Congratulations to the staff recognised, your dedication to caring for the NSW community is appreciated.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan ASM:
“We are immensely proud of everyone who has been recognised today at this award ceremony and acknowledge the commitment and bravery of our staff who continue to put the wellbeing of our community at the forefront of everything they do.
"The ceremony acknowledges the exceptional work of every NSW Ambulance staff member, from those on the frontlines to those supporting them behind the scenes. Your commitment to keeping our community safe is truly valued.
“I would also like to congratulate our newly qualified staff and those who have excelled in their roles, your dedication to providing high quality care to the community is appreciated.”