News

Members are likely to hear disturbing reports in media and from Ambulance Victoria regarding a distressing incident for our members in Wangaratta last night. On Saturday the VAU was contacted by AV and advised of a fire at the Hume Regional Offices connected to the Wangaratta branch. Initial reports suggest that the fire was deliberately lit and targeted.

There were five members working from the Wangaratta branch last night and very fortunately, they were not at the branch at the time the fire started and were not physically harmed. However, this attack had the potential to be catastrophic and as details begin to emerge, the distress of this incident on the Wangaratta team and those who work in Regional Office, staff and management, will be significant.

The VAU has spoken to the members who were working at Wangaratta last night and offered support. We have also been in contact with the Hume Regional Director and CEO throughout the day.

Any attack on paramedics and ambulance workers or their place of work is dangerous and unacceptable. It has a chilling effect on all our members and affects the response to patients in the community.

Members are welcome to reach out to the VAU for any support if needed.

In solidarity