2025 Finalists

Congratulations to this year's finalists

Annette Gillham - Ambulance Victoria

Annette is a tireless volunteer who has dedicated over 15 years of service to Maldon CERT as an Ambulance Victoria volunteer. Her commitment extends far beyond her unpaid ambulance duties, as she actively contributes to the Maldon Historical Society/Museum and Maldon Bowling Club with similar dedication.

Known for her flexibility and selflessness, Annette consistently prioritises others' schedules above her own. She goes out of her way to know, help, and understand the people of Maldon, always maintaining a cheerful and encouraging demeanour. Her willingness to train and support team members is invaluable to the community.

During COVID lockdowns, Annette stepped up to assist with ambulance driving and hospital admissions when Ambulance Victoria faced staffing challenges. Her service has included emergency situations, even assisting with delivering a baby. She participates in all official community events including Easter, Torchlight, ANZAC, and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

At Maldon Bowling Club, she supports her husband in official roles while assisting with fundraising and catering. Her Historical Society contributions include research, cataloguing, sourcing materials, and greeting visitors

Graeme McLean - Ambulance Victoria

Graeme is a dedicated farmer in Sea Lake who in his spare time also works for Ambulance Victoria as a casual Ambulance Community Officer, providing emergency care to his local community. With over 13 years of service to Ambulance Victoria, he works well above the minimum 20 hours per month requirement, often exceeding 100 hours while remaining on call even during farm work like spraying and sowing.

His commitment extends beyond emergency response. As a local, Graeme knows many patients personally and checks on them after ambulance attendance in his own time. He runs community engagement sessions across the greater Sea Lake area, educating residents on CPR, AED use, and emergency first aid. Whether presenting at schools, manning ambulance stalls at community events, or conducting health checks Graeme is dedicated to his role at Ambulance Victoria.

Even before joining Ambulance Victoria, Graeme provided first aid and sports medicine to local sporting clubs. His dedication to helping his community during emergencies and educating them about emergency preparedness makes him an invaluable asset to Sea Lake and surrounding areas

Kelly Leah Krajnc Country Fire Authority

Kelly serves as a Brigade Administrative Support Officer (BASO) in the Knox Area, providing crucial support to the surrounding volunteer brigades as part of the Catchment Team. With over 25 years as a CFA volunteer and more than 15 years as an employee, her unwavering commitment and perfectionism set exceptionally high standards for her colleagues.

In 2021, Kelly achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female Air Attack Supervisor (AAS) in CFA, one of only two qualified females across Victorian agencies. This fundamentally operational role involves providing critical direction to firefighting and water bombing aircraft activities during incidents.

Kelly's dedication extends far beyond standard hours. As a single mother, she remarkably balances her responsibilities while offering after-hours support through phone and social media to her colleagues. She has assisted members whose homes were destroyed by fire and provided logistical support during major incidents such as the 2025 Montrose and Gurdies Fires.

Kelly advocates for women in both workplace and volunteer capacities, sharing her experiences at various forums to inspire active participation. Her commitment to supporting volunteers personally and operationally demonstrates exceptional dedication to community service.

Josh King Country Fire Authority

Josh serves as 1st Lieutenant at Sedgwick Brigade, managing operational requirements including strike team lists, fire equipment maintenance, and assisting the captain with duties. As an operational firefighter attending all callouts, he ensures volunteers meet required standards while providing exceptional support to help them become fully operational.

With 28 years of CFA service beginning as a junior volunteer at Elphinstone Brigade, Josh exemplifies "Service Above Self." He dedicates countless hours to training new and existing members, providing one-on-one and group instruction to build skills, techniques, and confidence. When required, Josh has stepped up to assume additional responsibilities without hesitation. Beyond brigade duties, Josh personally checks on each member, helping with any needs, not just fire-related tasks. He annually teaches first aid demonstrating his commitment to team welfare and community safety.

Josh's service extends beyond CFA, including 20 years with St John Ambulance as Regional Divisional Manager, and 10 years as an Ambulance Victoria paramedic, serving as Paramedic Community Support Coordinator for seven years, training and mentoring volunteers.

Billee Amsden Emergency Management Victoria

Billee serves as Personal Assistant to the Flotilla Commander and Deputy at Coast Guard Safety Beach, managing communications for 60 members of one of Victoria's largest flotillas. Her daily responsibilities include emails and calls, organizing member training records and rescue activations, minuting flotilla meetings, and coordinating recruitment, awards, and social functions.

Since joining Coast Guard in 2019, Billee has revolutionised flotilla administration. She reorganised 15 years of digital filing, updated the National Database, established computerised qualification monitoring systems, and streamlined flotilla elections. Her dedication extends to organising fundraising events including Bunnings sausage sizzles and maintaining contact with unwell members.

Billee's community service spans decades, including chairing her daughters' school Parents' Committee, supporting her husband's Apex involvement, training junior netball teams, and serving as Kiosk Roster Officer at Rosebud Hospital for five years. Her achievements have earned her the 2021 Commander's Award and 2023 Keith Brooks & Colin Blore Award for "Services to the flotilla," recognising her exceptional commitment to ensuring members receive appropriate recognition for their often hazardous rescue work

Joff van Ek Fire Rescue Victoria

Joff serves as a Station Officer with Fire Rescue Victoria, performing critical Incident Command and Control roles across the state's diverse emergency landscape. His operational expertise spans fires, road accidents, hazmat incidents, emergency medical responses, and industrial accidents. Renowned for his integrity, management skills, and hands-on firefighting capabilities, Joff is highly sought as an instructor, currently training elite Heavy Rescue operators while contributing to the design of FRV's new generation Heavy Rescue vehicles.

Following personal tragedy—his father's death in a road accident and his best friend Tom Wylie's battle with childhood cancer—Joff channelled grief into professional purpose. He became a world leader in vehicle extrication techniques and a passionate advocate for children with cancer. As CEO of the National Rescue and Critical Care Group (NRACC), he advances research and education in road rescue outcomes, with his international expertise recognized through appointment to the World Rescue Organisation's technical advisory board.

Alan Benson Red Cross Victoria

Alan Benson has dedicated nearly five decades to community service including serving as a Red Cross volunteer for over 23 years with the Southeast Metro Emergency Services team. His extraordinary commitment includes responding to major disasters such as Black Saturday fires, the Bourke Street Tragedy, Tropical Cyclone Debbie, and the Black Summer fires, logging over 3,226 hours since 2013.

As a State Trainer specialising in Psychological First Aid, Alan has trained hundreds of volunteers while also supporting disaster preparedness through the Pillowcase Program. His service extends far beyond Red Cross and includes volunteering with CFA for 25 years, including response to the Ash Wednesday fires, and devoting 15 years to puppy-walking for National Guide Dogs.

A respected educator, Alan served as Deputy and Headmaster at Bacchus Marsh Secondary College for nine years. He remains active in his local community as Noble Park RSL's top badge seller, church volunteer, and youth tutor, while holding Grand Rank of Past Inspector of Workings in the Masonic Lodge

Meaghan Barry Red Cross Victoria

Meaghan Barry leads and mentors a nationwide team of Emergency Response Coordinators for Australian Red Cross, providing strategic direction and overseeing multistate operations. Her distinguished career exemplifies "service above self" through extensive international humanitarian deployments and unwavering commitment to emergency response.

With over 15 years of international experience, Meaghan has served in critical roles across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, including major disaster responses to Typhoon Haiyan, Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, and COVID-19 pandemic operations. Her military service as Captain in the Australian Defence Force included peacekeeping operations on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Domestically, Meaghan has held leadership positions including State Commander and Operations Coordinator, developing Victoria and Australia's Incident Management Team while pioneering remote work integration during COVID. She has trained over 600 Victorian volunteers through evening and weekend sessions, and contributed over 500 activation hours since 2021. As Associate Trainer with RedR Australia since 2018, she continues building humanitarian capacity across regions while mentoring volunteers and staff

Brett Holland SES Victoria

Brett "Dutchy" Holland serves as Hastings SES Unit Commander, overseeing all aspects of unit operations and is the primary liaison with SES State, Region, and other emergency services. Since joining in February 2015, he has personally responded to over 2,000 incidents and transformed Hastings SES into a highly capable, inclusive team through his people centered leadership.

Following the devastating 2021 storms that struck Red Hill and Main Ridge, Brett was instrumental in establishing the Hill and Ridge Emergency Network, supporting community resilience and preparedness. His deep emotional intelligence shines through his work with the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Resilience, Relief and Recovery Network, where he advocates for compassionate recovery practices, particularly around disaster anniversaries.

In 2024, Brett initiated the Peninsula's inaugural Female First Responders Network, empowering female volunteers across emergency services agencies. This platform for connection and collaboration has become an annual event, reflecting his commitment to inclusion and empowerment.

Brett also chairs the Crib Point Foreshore Committee and has strengthened inter-agency collaboration through partnerships with CFA and Marine Rescue, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to community safety

Lachlan Hay St John Ambulance

Lachlan serves as both First Responder and Regional Operations Officer for St John Ambulance Victoria, providing essential first aid services at events across the Yarra Ranges while overseeing operational support for volunteer coverage throughout the entire Eastern region of Metro Melbourne. His dual role ensures seamless operations and optimal patient care during large-scale events and community activities.

Since joining as a young volunteer, Lachlan has demonstrated exceptional dedication and growth, quickly establishing himself as a vital team member. He acts as a critical communication conduit between St John Ambulance Victoria's headquarters and the Eastern region, utilising strong communication skills and rapport building abilities to ensure all operational needs are met.

Lachlan consistently exceeds expectations by regularly completing more than double his required hours, frequently stepping in to fill roster gaps and ensure comprehensive shift coverage. His versatility shines through his seamless transitions between leadership positions, including Divisional Operations Officer and Acting Divisional Operations Officer roles.

His leadership approach emphasises inclusivity, kindness, and respect, fostering an environment where every volunteer feels valued regardless of experience or background. Lachlan actively shapes a culture of care, inclusion, and excellence within St John Ambulance Victoria.

Arlene Campbell Triple Zero Victoria

Arlene serves as an emergency ambulance call taker at Triple Zero Victoria, where she answers urgent Triple Zero (000) calls and coordinates emergency medical responses. She quickly assesses situations, triages patients, and provides critical pre-arrival instructions with exceptional calm, focus, and compassion. Arlene's ability to remain composed under pressure and support distressed callers demonstrates her professionalism and dedication.

Beyond her demanding emergency services role, Arlene volunteers to provide specialist respite care for a ventilator-dependent child with significant disabilities. As a registered nurse, she possesses the advanced clinical expertise required for this complex care.

In early 2024, Arlene voluntarily altered her work arrangement to support a colleague at risk of being moved to another team, ensuring team cohesion during operational strain. This selfless action, taken entirely on her own initiative, exemplifies her commitment to Service Above Self in both professional and personal spheres.

Michael Downing VCC Emergencies Ministry

Michael serves as Chief Operations Officer for VCC Emergencies Ministry, overseeing operational management and strategic planning to deliver timely support to disaster-affected communities across Victoria. He manages the Emergency Operations Centre, coordinates volunteer deployment, and supports training for over 1,200 volunteers while developing policies and collaborating with partner agencies.

Michael's unwavering commitment extends beyond standard hours, maintaining 24 hour on-call availability on a rotational roster including weekends. He personally coordinates logistics, monitors volunteer wellbeing, and steps in wherever needed to ensure seamless operations during emergency activations. His dedication fosters strong trust and morale among volunteers who rely on his leadership and support.

Initially joining VCC EM as a volunteer in 2012, Michael supported numerous emergency events before joining the staff team in 2015. He was awarded the National Emergency Services Medal for his role during the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires and received the VCC EM 10-year service pin in 2024.

Rev Mark James Dunn VCC Emergencies Ministry

Rev Mark James Dunn is a dedicated community leader serving as a Community Chaplain and Team Leader with VCC Emergencies Ministry, providing psychosocial support and pastoral care to those affected by emergencies. Since 2008, he has served as a trustee for the SANDI Foundation philanthropic trust, overseeing grants exceeding $500,000. Mark was honorary Minister-in-Association at Coburg Uniting Church (2019-2023) and currently chairs the Merri-bek Interfaith Network, having successfully hosted the Victorian Interfaith Festival in 2023.

As Victorian Host Coordinator for Servas International, Mark and his wife have welcomed over 110 international guests while promoting peace and cultural understanding. He serves as Honorary Chaplain to multiple organizations including his RSL Sub-Branch, Goorambat Veterans Retreat, and Korean Veterans Association. Mark pioneered chaplaincy support with Ambulance Victoria paramedics and serves on the Merri-bek Emergency Management Planning Committee. In 2024, he was awarded Life Membership by VCCEM for his exceptional volunteer service.

Barry Randall Victoria Police

Barry Randall is a Victoria Police Sergeant based on the Mornington Peninsula, dedicated to member welfare and mentoring junior officers. In 2021, recognising the mental health challenges facing first responders, Barry founded Operation Soul Surf (OSS), a groundbreaking surf therapy program supporting current and former first responders and military veterans impacted by trauma.

Operating under the motto "Healing minds one wave at a time," Operation Soul Surf provides free four-week courses at Point Leo Beach, with 170 participants graduating to date. Barry volunteers his time coordinating sessions, securing tens of thousands in sponsorship dollars, and serving as a surf coach alongside professional instructors. The program has delivered measurable improvements in participants' mental and physical health, reducing sick leave and strengthening personal relationships.

Barry has also served as President of the Police Rugby Club (2010-2022), promoting mental and physical wellness through sport. His exceptional community service has earned recognition through the 2022 Outstanding Service to People with Disability Award and the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Shire Community Inspiration Award.

Szumai Anderson Wildlife Victoria

Szumai Anderson has dedicated over 25 years to wildlife rescue as a volunteer with Wildlife Victoria, demonstrating exceptional "Service Above Self" in protecting native animals. Based in Gisborne, she serves as the organisation's top responder, having attended 6,783 cases since records began in 2007, with countless additional rescues in her earlier years of service.

Operating around the clock, Szumai responds to wildlife emergencies across metro and regional Victoria, making critical real-time assessments and providing rescue services for injured and orphaned animals. Her extraordinary commitment extends beyond rescue work as she also actively trains and mentors local volunteers, sharing her expertise to expand the network of wildlife carers.

Szumai's advocacy work includes media appearances highlighting kangaroo welfare and contributing to parliamentary inquiries on wildlife road toll issues. Her tireless dedication to animal welfare and community service earned her the 2023 Macedon Ranges Council 'Citizen of the Year' award, recognising her profound impact on both wildlife conservation and public safety through her selfless volunteer work

George Andriotis Wildlife Victoria

George Andriotis serves as a Supervisor in Wildlife Victoria's Emergency Response Service (ERS), managing the statewide 24/7 service that coordinates responses to sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. In his leadership role, George oversees Emergency Response Operators during complex cases, major incidents, and challenging calls requiring expert species identification and collaborative response.

Beyond his demanding paid responsibilities, George exemplifies "Service Above Self" by volunteering his personal time for hands-on wildlife rescues, particularly specialising in macropods and grey-headed flying-foxes. Since beginning volunteer rescue work in 2020, he has attended 1,258 cases, often driving hours to assist animals in distress.

In 2024 alone, George contributed hundreds of volunteer hours beyond his paid role, helping save over 500 animals including 325 eastern grey kangaroos. His quiet dedication and willingness to prioritise animal welfare over personal comfort demonstrates exceptional leadership and compassion, inspiring both colleagues and the broader Victorian community through his unwavering commitment to wildlife protection.