News
7th June, 2021
Vale – Phil Cavanagh
It is with great sadness that the Victorian Ambulance Union Incorporated (VAU) informs members of the passing of Phil Cavanagh.
Phil Cavanagh started his career in ambulance in 1980. He became a MICA Paramedic and was heavily involved with the union. Phil took part in many of the industrial fights fought by paramedics. After he retired as a paramedic, he became the Assistant Secretary of the union. In his time at the union, he helped so many of his ambulance workmates and fought hard for improvements to their wages and conditions.
As Assistant Secretary he was heavily involved in fighting for improvements for members in the patient transport sector. He retired in 2013 during the Code Red campaign. Even in retirement, both he and Rod Morris (former secretary of the union) were regular attendees at any rallies and union events.
Earlier this year Phil became suddenly unwell and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of terminal bowel cancer. He was not expected to have long but he did regain some strength and was able to leave hospital and enjoy time with family and friends. Unfortunately, he suffered a stroke on Friday and was taken back to hospital. He died last night.
A GoFundMe page set up to provide some support for Phil’s family was set up which raised over $17,000. Those funds will be transferred to Phil’s family.
On behalf of our members the VAU would like to express our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Phil Cavanagh. We thank Phil for all of his hard work in fighting for improvements for the ambulance industry over so many years.
He was great to work with and he will be sadly missed.
In solidarity