Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Following a hard-fought campaign which stretched across five-and-a-half years and included a petition with over 11000 signatures, overwhelming community support, and plenty of lobbying by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, members of the Iluka Ambulance Action Group and Iluka Bowling Club proudly stood alongside Clarence Valley residents and visiting dignitaries on November 26 to celebrate a significant milestone.
As the ribbon was cut, resounding cheers filled the air and hands were raised in jubilation, as a much longed for piece of infrastructure, the Iluka Ambulance Station, was officially opened.
Describing the occasion as an emotional day, Ann and John McLean from the Iluka Ambulance Action Group, who first began campaigning for the building to be constructed back in 2016, said they were extremely excited to be present during the ceremony.
“It was like a big climax for us to see the Iluka Ambulance Station officially opened after years of campaigning, and we feel very proud, but also very exhausted,” Mrs McLean said.
“The community support has been absolutely amazing, and we were so happy to see it all come together.”
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Mr Gulaptis presented the McLeans with a Community Service Award from the NSW Premier Domonic Perrottet during the official opening, and thanked them “for leaving no stone unturned, and for working tirelessly with the community right beside them,” as they led the campaign for an ambulance station to be built in Iluka.
“It was a complete surprise, but it was very lovely” Mrs McLean said appreciatively.
Mr Gulaptis also acknowledged “the wonderful partnership between the Iluka Bowling Club, Iluka Ambulance Action Group, Clarence Valley Council (CVC), and the community for their hard work in helping the NSW Government to deliver this important project.”
“This purpose-built ambulance station is a game-changer, designed with input from paramedics and specifically tailored to meet the emergency health needs of the community,” he said.
Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Women and Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor was also present for the official opening.
She said the Spenser Street facility, which became operational in March this year, has made a real difference and significantly enhanced access to mobile emergency health care across the region.
The Iluka Ambulance Station includes parking for up to four emergency ambulance vehicles, staff amenities, relief accommodation and storage areas, and is one of 63 ambulance stations in NSW operating with photovoltaic solar energy systems.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 30 November 2022.
