Six highly regarded Ambulance Victoria (AV) personnel have been awarded Ambulance Service Medals (ASM) in this year's national Honours.
The ASM recognises distinguished service by members of Australian ambulance services and is awarded to a select group of outstanding ambulance personnel, as nominated by their peers, each year.
The Australian Honours List acknowledges Australians for their incredible achievements, service and contribution to their communities.
Associate Professor Dr David Anderson - Medical Director
Associate Professor Dr David Anderson joined AV in 2017 as a retrieval physician, providing critical frontline care. Since 2020, he has served as AV's medical director, bringing 25 years of experience in pre-hospital care. His background includes training as a paramedic in New Zealand and as an intensive care physician in New Zealand, New South Wales, and Ontario, Canada.
As medical director, David provides clinical leadership, oversees governance, and drives strategic innovation. Despite his executive role, he remains hands-on, responding to cases across all priority levels and directly supporting paramedics through site visits, mentoring, and the ECMO-1 program, which places Melbourne at the forefront of pre-hospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services globally.
David prioritises authentic communication with paramedics through initiatives like the Clinical Conversations podcast and live Q&A sessions. His transparent approach fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and strengthens AV's safety culture.
Under his leadership, AV has introduced key advancements such as the doctor-on-call program, providing paramedics with real-time medical advice in critical moments. His unwavering focus on patient care, inclusivity, and continuous improvement has driven significant progress in paramedic practice and patient outcomes.
Narelle Capp - Director Regional and Clinical Operations (Hume)
Narelle Capp is AV's director regional and clinical operations in the Hume region and has held various leadership roles while maintaining her operational capacity, including ambulance paramedic, team manager, senior team manager and area manager.
Narelle has made significant contributions, particularly in the metropolitan and Hume regions, where she has led cultural reforms and served as a role model for women in leadership.
She has driven innovation in ambulance services for Victoria's alpine areas. Recognising the outdated model and safety concerns, she led the introduction of a new dual crew roster system and upgraded equipment, including new snow vehicles and specialist training programs.
In 2024, Narelle oversaw the deployment of custom-built Can-Am over-snow vehicles, enhancing safety and efficiency for paramedics in alpine environments. She is passionate and advocates for the experience of first responders.
Narelle's leadership in these reforms highlights her commitment to improving services and challenging existing practices to better serve the Victorian community.
Josephine O'Doherty – Paramedic
Josephine O'Doherty joined AV as an ambulance community officer (ACO) in 2006, qualifying as an advanced life support (ALS) paramedic in 2016 and completing the Rural Sponsored Degree Paramedic program. She has since held key roles, including paramedic community support coordinator at Omeo, team manager at Maffra, and paramedic educator.
Known for her proactive leadership, Josephine ensures branch operations run smoothly by maintaining equipment like the wilderness response supplies, conducting audits, and creating essential resources for remote case responses. She mentors new staff and actively engages in community initiatives, such as fundraising for vital equipment, delivering educational presentations, organising recycling programs, and training medical students.
As a wilderness response subject matter expert, Josephine demonstrates exceptional expertise in remote care. She contributes to skills maintenance, policy reviews, and training development, while also preparing risk assessments and assessing mountain bike trails for emergency response readiness.
Josephine's career reflects a steadfast dedication to professional excellence and community service.
Stephen Ralph - Team Manager
Stephen Ralph exemplifies outstanding dedication and leadership through his 29-year career with AV and is the team manager of the Yarrawonga ambulance branch. Renowned for his skill in managing frontline operations, allocating resources, mentoring staff, and fostering a safe, collaborative work environment, Stephen consistently upholds the highest standards for his team.
Trusted by colleagues across the region, Stephen is often sought out for support with sensitive issues, which reflects the respect he has earned. His leadership has notably improved morale and confidence among his team.
Beyond his professional role, Stephen is a committed community contributor, delivering first aid training, emergency preparedness, and road safety education. He regularly leads school presentations, pre-school visits, and other impactful community events, solidifying his reputation as a valued local figure.
Stephen's exceptional service extends to responding to critical incidents, including major road trauma, even outside his usual roster. His leadership, clinical care, and unwavering sense of duty highlight his profound commitment to his colleagues and community.
Edward (Eddie) Wright - Gippsland Regional Support Manager
Eddie Wright, a proud Gunaikurnai man, began his career with AV in 1990, serving as a paramedic, MICA paramedic, group manager, and for the past 15 years, regional support manager for Gippsland. In this role, he oversees financial operations, emergency management, and community engagement while championing Indigenous heritage and reconciliation efforts.
Known for his leadership in major emergencies, Eddie played pivotal roles in the 2003 and 2006 Omeo fires, the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires (including Neerim Hospital's evacuation, recognised by the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission), and the 2019-20 bushfires, where he supported isolated communities. He also improved firefighter health procedures during the 2014 Hazelwood mine fire and provided vital relief as a health commander during the 2015-16 Wye River fires.
In 2024, during National Reconciliation Week, Eddie was an advocate for better identification of First Nations patients in health settings. A sought-after speaker, he shares his extensive experience across the military, CFA and AV at community events, leaving a lasting impact through his dedication to public health and emergency response.
Bartholomew (Bart) Wunderlich - Community Emergency Response Team volunteer
Bart Wunderlich has dedicated 19 years to AV, beginning as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer in Kinglake in 2005. He's held leadership roles for 18 of those years, provided first aid at community events, and spearheaded the establishment of Kinglake's ambulance station in 2013, ensuring training facilities were in place.
During the Black Saturday fires, Bart risked his life to assist others, earning recognition for his bravery. His testimony to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission drove critical changes in emergency response protocols. After the fires, he was instrumental in rebuilding Kinglake CERT, a vital part of the community.
Known for his unwavering dedication, he mentored future paramedics and supported challenging emergencies, all while balancing his duties at Northern Hospital Epping.
The full list of Australian Honours and Awards recipients can be found via the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
