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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-07-21 Daily Xml
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QUORN AMBULANCE STATION

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:36): On Saturday 26 June it was my pleasure to represent the Minister for Health in the other place (Hon. John Hill) on the occasion of the opening of the new ambulance station in Quorn. I was delighted to officially open the new Quorn volunteer ambulance station, with many volunteers, members of the community and SA Ambulance Service management present.

The new station complex is an exciting development, both for the Quorn community and for the SA Ambulance Service as a key member of the SA health system. The Quorn population of around 1,200 people relies on the ambulance service to be there when they need medical assistance. It represents an investment of $840,000 and is money well spent for the health needs of the community.

The new facilities are thoroughly deserved, and I am pleased that the dedicated volunteers who invest so much of their time and effort into ensuring that Quorn has an ambulance service now have up-to-date facilities and equipment. The purpose-built station is well equipped to assist crews to rapidly respond to any emergency in the community. It can also accommodate local and visiting officers and facilitate space for training and study.

I have to say that the improvement in facilities compared with the previous site is amazing. I was shown the shed from which the service previously responded and was pleased to see the tremendous upgrade and to note that the new facilities cater for every need of the volunteers. The state government understands that different communities have unique needs and require flexible and integrated solutions. The new Quorn station will meet its community's needs today and into the future.

I also commend the SA Ambulance Service volunteers. I understand there were 14 volunteers and their families present on the day. I make particular mention of Volunteer Team Leader Mr Travis McDonald, with whom I was honoured to officially open the station. I think we all appreciate that people in country South Australia see themselves wearing many hats and are involved in providing a number of services in their community. The volunteers are the driving force behind the ambulance service in the Quorn community, and it is important to acknowledge the vital role they play in ensuring that Quorn has a reliable, professional and dedicated ambulance service.

I am told that in 2009 Quorn ambulance officers transported 102 patients and travelled more than 2,000 kilometres with patients on board. Quorn ambulance officers are a vital part of what constitutes SA Ambulance Service's ability to provide expert medical intervention, emergency medical response and non-emergency patient services in smaller country towns across South Australia. This new fantastic facility and exceptional community service would not exist without the volunteers, and this highlights the importance of providing volunteers with the facilities to match their skills and professionalism.

Minister Hill recently publicised the fact that the Rann government is in the process of renewing SA Ambulance Service stations and that, since 2008, six new stations have opened in Morgan, Kingston, Lock, McLaren Vale, Port Adelaide and, of course, most recently Quorn. I am pleased to say that he also advised that, in addition to other stations in the metropolitan area, construction is under way for further country volunteer stations at Orroroo and Booleroo.

I also acknowledge the presence on the day of the member for Stuart in the other place, Mr Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, as well as the Mayor of the Flinders Ranges Council, Mr Maxwell McHugh; the Deputy Mayor of the Flinders Ranges Council and the Hawker volunteer team leader, Mr John Shute; Dr Tony Lian Lloyd from the Kanyaka Surgery; and I again mention the volunteers and their families.

As a former minister for emergency services, I value the vital role that volunteers play in rural communities, and I know how much their efforts are appreciated throughout their local areas. Unit manager of the State Emergency Services in Quorn, Margaret Smith, represented the SES on the day. Regrettably, it is not unusual for both services to meet in sad circumstances because of road crashes, and I know that both support and appreciate their respective roles.

I also thank Mr Neale Sutton, Executive Director of the Country Patient Services of SA Ambulance, for his assistance on the day. I am certain that all honourable members join me in congratulating everyone involved in the planning and building of the wonderful new facility in Quorn.

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