Volunteers behind the scenes

Ambulance Victoria recently recognised its volunteers who contribute to supporting the local service.
There are many roles within AV that are entirely or partially volunteer-based and make a big difference to its ability to respond and provide care to patients.
Baw Baw auxiliary secretary Brad Wooding has been a volunteer for more than 10 years and said the auxiliary recently fundraised to purchase two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the community.
"We fundraised in October last year and in February and were able to purchase two AEDs for the local community," he said.
AEDs are a life-saving device used during a cardiac arrest to shock a patient's heart back into normal function.
"We had a fundraising event earlier this year and were joined by the AV community education team who were teaching locals how to perform CPR and how to use an AED."
"It's good to do these events where we're doing something important for the community," he said.
Auxiliary members are volunteers who work together as a group by fundraising and ensuring ongoing community engagement.
Wendy Shiels is the Baw Baw auxiliary president and has volunteered with auxiliary for more than 40 years.
"It's been really rewarding to volunteer over the years knowing that what we do directly helps people in our community," Wendy said.
"I think it's important to thank all our auxiliary members as well as paramedics for the work they do.
"I would encourage anyone who is interested to join their local auxiliary, if there is one. It's an interesting role where you can make a difference in your community," she said.
For more information about ambulance auxiliaries, visit: ambulance.vic.gov.au/community/community-partnerships/auxiliaries/