by Michaela Meade
Former Hume mayor Casey Nunn, along with five other good samaritans, have become requalified to drive ambulances, to lighten the load for paramedics.
Ms Nunn, along with volunteers Julie, Dom, Jason, Julie and Dan were a part of the voluntary Craigieburn ambulance service until it wound up in February last year, just before COVID-19 hit.
“We did not know that there was about to be a worldwide pandemic,” Ms Nunn said.
“There’s been a call-out recently for people with that kind of experience to come back.
“Six members of the service have answered that call and are out assisting now.”
Ms Nunn said getting retrained was born out of a sense of community spirit from all volunteers.
“I guess all of us have a real sense of service and a real appreciation for our paramedic colleagues,” she said.
“We felt they were working so hard, we wanted to help support them.
“They’re the real heroes.”
Ms Nunn said taking on a role with the ambulance service once again has been rewarding.
“It’s been so rewarding,” she said.
“The day to day paramedics are amazing, because they do this day in and day out.
“The Craigieburn team is just grateful to be able to step up and assist them at this time.”
The team has written a book to celebrate the story of the volunteer ambulance, although Ms Nunn said there is now one last story to tell.
“There’s another chapter to write, the last chapter, about our willingness to help out during the pandemic,” she said.
“It’s a great way for the Craigieburn service to finish our story.”
The book is due for publication in March.
