Eight newly-qualified NSW Ambulance paramedics have been officially welcomed into the region following a formal induction ceremony.
The recruits will be based across Hunter Zones 1 and 2, where they’ll undertake 12-month on-road placements to consolidate their training before receiving permanent postings throughout NSW.
The appointments form part of a wider intake of 466 rookies so far this year, strengthening the capacity of frontline healthcare services in both regional and metropolitan communities.
Among the newcomers is Paris Alcorn, who described joining the service as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
“I knew my future profession would be in healthcare as a paramedic – a profession underpinned by kindness and compassion,” she said.
“Spending time working as a teacher’s aide for children with autism showed me how even the simplest of kind acts make such a difference to people in need.”
Also joining the service is trainee emergency medical call taker Melissa Moore, a former neonatal nurse and volunteer firefighter who balances her work with being a mother-of-four.
“Knowing I am that first contact for people in need will be very rewarding,” she said.
Welcoming the cohort, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park praised the dedication of recruits who are stepping into vital roles in communities across the state.
“Whether they’re based in Wollongong, Broken Hill, Dungog, Kingscliff, Randwick or Liverpool, they’re some of the most valued members of their communities,” he said.
“A career of service, like the one these 140 graduates are embarking on, is incredibly rewarding.
“I wish them the very best as they head out across the state.”
Minster for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the eight placements would provide a much-needed boost to local healthcare services.
“Being a paramedic is an incredibly rewarding career and I’m confident the community will warmly welcome them,” she added.
“Our focus is on making the Hunter a leading healthcare hub and this announcement is another important step towards that goal.”
NSW Ambulance chief executive Dr Dominic Morgan acknowledged the courage and compassion needed to succeed in such a demanding field.
“These paramedics and control centre interns are stepping into a role that demands not just clinical skill, but compassion, resilience, and courage,” he explained.
“Whether responding to emergencies or supporting community healthcare, these graduates will become an integral part of NSW Ambulance.”
The new recruits have started their placements, joining the ranks of essential responders committed to caring for communities across the Hunter and beyond.
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