2024 Winners
Congratulations to this year's winners
Gary Luxford - Country Fire Authority (Tooradin) - Winner Volunteer CapacityGary is recognised as an esteemed volunteer with 56 years of service at the Tooradin Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Beginning his journey at CFA at 18, Gary has held pivotal roles including Captain of the Warneet Fire Brigade for a decade and Group Captain of the Cranbourne Fire Brigades for another ten years. His commitment extended to rebuilding communities post-disaster, notably after the Bunyip/Garfield fires, where he assisted with debris clearance and reconstruction efforts.
Beyond firefighting, Gary's impact spans diverse community roles—he is a Justice of the Peace, overseeing the Cranbourne Signing Centre, and has been a devoted Rotarian for 26 years, serving as club president twice. His initiatives include innovative fundraising projects like a scrap metal program benefiting local causes.
Gary's contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including life memberships and national medals from CFA, highlighting his selfless service ethos. A compassionate listener and mentor, Gary remains a steadfast pillar, offering ongoing support to those in need, exemplifying his motto of "Serving above Self."
Sashi Vagadia - Victoria Police Public Order Response Team (PORT) - Winner Paid Capacity
With a background in the UK Metropolitan Police as a Detective Inspector, Sashi joined Victoria Police in 2017, bringing with him a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. He established the 'Baton Challenge' initiative at the Victoria Police Academy, raising over $10,000 for Victoria Police Legacy (VPL) and enhancing awareness among recruits.
Sashi volunteers extensively, notably organising the Lara RSL 24hr 96km Kokoda Memorial Challenge, raising $50,000 for Soldier On and increasing RSL membership significantly.
He also supports the Victoria Police Legacy Children's Retreat and serves as an Ambassador for VPL.
Sashi's dedication extends to promoting mental health and wellbeing within the police force, fostering a supportive environment through initiatives like 'Canines & Coffee' with Police Veterans Victoria. His selfless contributions exemplify his commitment to community, mentorship, and leadership in Victoria Police.
2024 Finalists
Congratulations to this year's finalists
Duncan Rooney - Ambulance Victoria (Wonthagi)Duncan is the Senior Team Manager at Wonthaggi for Ambulance Victoria and has dedicated 32 years to enhancing emergency medical services in the Bass Coast region. He oversees operations for over 70 paramedics, providing mentorship, managing rosters, and ensuring optimal coverage. Duncan pioneered MICA services in South Gippsland in 1998, and in the mid-1990s, he frequently worked exhausting 24-hour shifts due to staffing shortages. In 2002, Duncan advocated for increased resources to meet community needs. Duncan's efforts with automatic CPR machines in 2016 bolstered survival rates in rural communities, earning him a CEO commendation. He expanded his role in 2017 to train as a Clinician, supporting complex cases statewide in the communications centre. Despite health setbacks in 2015, Duncan's determination led to his return to active duty. His recent fundraising efforts secured new CPR training equipment reflects his lifelong commitment to improving community healthcare outcomes
Mario Cocola - Coast Guard (Emergency Management Victoria) Mario serves as Coast Guard Vice Captain Facilities at VF6 Flotilla Safety Beach, volunteering with Emergency Management Victoria for 11 years. He manages the Duty phone, available 24/7 for Water Police and public inquiries or emergencies. Mario captains Rescue vessel R 308, overseeing over 100 Marine Search & Rescue operations. He coordinates with police and emergency services to ensure safe rescues, fulfils administrative roles and enhances member skills through training courses, including First Aid and leadership.
His community engagement extends to educating local school children on water safety through Coast Guard excursions, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing maritime safety and emergency response capabilities in Port Phillip Bay's southern region.
Gary Luxford - Country Fire Authority (Tooradin)Gary is recognised as an esteemed volunteer with 56 years of service at the Tooradin Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Beginning his journey at CFA at 18, Gary has held pivotal roles including Captain of the Warneet Fire Brigade for a decade and Group Captain of the Cranbourne Fire Brigades for another ten years. His commitment extended to rebuilding communities post-disaster, notably after the Bunyip/Garfield fires, where he assisted with debris clearance and reconstruction efforts.
Beyond firefighting, Gary's impact spans diverse community roles—he is a Justice of the Peace, overseeing the Cranbourne Signing Centre, and has been a devoted Rotarian for 26 years, serving as club president twice. His initiatives include innovative fundraising projects like a scrap metal program benefiting local causes.
Gary's contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including life memberships and national medals from CFA, highlighting his selfless service ethos. A compassionate listener and mentor, Gary remains a steadfast pillar, offering ongoing support to those in need, exemplifying his motto of "Serving above Self."
Anthony Tregenza - Australian Red Cross (Victorian Division.) Anthony has 7 years in a paid role and 38 years as a volunteer, he supports leadership and training for Emergency Services personnel, including serving as an accredited State Agency Commander. Anthony often goes above and beyond to enhance capabilities, deliver training, and mentor volunteers. His extensive volunteer service includes senior roles in the Victoria State Emergency Service Whitehorse Unit since 1986. Anthony's leadership and commitment have earned him accolades such as the National Emergency Medal and the prestigious VICSES Life Membership, reflecting his profound impact and dedication to emergency response and community service.
Emma Atkins - Life Saving Victoria (Port Melbourne.)With over a decade of dedicated service, Emma oversees comprehensive human resources functions crucial to organisational success, including recruitment, compliance with employment laws, and training initiatives.
Emma creates a supportive work environment and aligns HR strategies with operational goals, particularly focusing on the well-being of over 43,000 volunteers. She champions inclusion and diversity within emergency services and beyond, enhancing community safety through youth education programs and initiatives like Pride Patrol and Pink Patrol. Emma is actively involved in supporting initiatives like Lifesavers with Pride, aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community within the lifesaving community.
Emma also supports lifesaving patrols and volunteers during critical incidents, demonstrating unwavering dedication to service above self. Her impact is profound, fostering growth and inclusivity while ensuring the safety and well-being of those who serve their communities.
Faye Pyke - Red Cross (Maryborough's Inner Loddon Mallee Division.)As Team Leader for Victorian Emergency Services her commitment extends beyond duties, engaging with communities post-disaster and supporting recovery efforts.
Faye also performs driving duties and administrative support for Red Cross Patient Transport, ensuring community members can access critical medical appointments.
Faye's dedication to her roles, from frontline support during bushfires and floods to ongoing outreach and advocacy, highlights her compassion and community focus. Her leadership and contribution to Red Cross programs exemplify her unwavering commitment to serving others and enhancing community resilience and well-being.
Fillip Pritchett - St John Ambulance (Central East Region, Yarra Ranges.)With 33 years of dedicated service, Fillip ensures the operational readiness of over 15 vehicles and emergency response equipment across 10 divisions. His responsibilities include coordinating fleet and equipment servicing, conducting spot audits, and maintaining constant communication with divisions to ensure readiness for emergencies like fires and floods.
Previously, Fillip played pivotal roles during major emergencies such as Black Saturday, Harrietville fire, Hazelwood Coal fires, and the 2024 Ballarat fires. His proactive leadership includes initiating Sector Commander roles during deployments, ensuring crew safety, and coordinating logistics like meals and accommodations. Fillip's advocacy led to the procurement of 8 new 4WD ambulances for better response capabilities in fire-prone regions. Beyond his official duties, Fillip mentors colleagues and contributes tirelessly to emergency responses, exemplifying selfless dedication and leadership in community service.
Sashi Vagadia - Victoria Police Public Order Response Team (PORT)With a background in the UK Metropolitan Police as a Detective Inspector, Sashi joined Victoria Police in 2017, bringing with him a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. He established the 'Baton Challenge' initiative at the Victoria Police Academy, raising over $10,000 for Victoria Police Legacy (VPL) and enhancing awareness among recruits.
Sashi volunteers extensively, notably organising the Lara RSL 24hr 96km Kokoda Memorial Challenge, raising $50,000 for Soldier On and increasing RSL membership significantly.
He also supports the Victoria Police Legacy Children's Retreat and serves as an Ambassador for VPL.
Sashi's dedication extends to promoting mental health and wellbeing within the police force, fostering a supportive environment through initiatives like 'Canines & Coffee' with Police Veterans Victoria. His selfless contributions exemplify his commitment to community, mentorship, and leadership in Victoria Police.
Shanleigh Meldrum - State Emergency Service (Gisborne/Woodend)Shanleigh Meldrum volunteers with the Gisborne/Woodend SES. Additionally, she serves as Senior Officer: Youth at Deaf Hub Bendigo, managing programs across Victoria for deaf youth, funded by a Victorian Government grant.
Shanleigh's advocacy stems from her personal experience as a deaf individual, aiming to improve accessibility and support for the deaf community during emergencies. She organizes Auslan training and community events and advises local schools and businesses on accessibility.
Shanleigh's efforts extend to providing social support at an aged care facility and consulting in the emergency services sector. Her dedication earned her recognition as Deaf Youth Australian of the Year and a place in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2023, acknowledging her significant contributions to inclusivity and support in regional Victoria.
Tom Rose - Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministries (VCCEM)Tom Rose is a dedicated volunteer with the Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministries (VCCEM) for over 15 years, serving as an Area Coordinator for Whitehorse LGA and providing psychological first aid and emotional spiritual care during crises across Melbourne and beyond.
He has been deployed to support communities after significant incidents like the Bourke St incident, Bunyip fires, and the Black Summer fires. Tom played a pivotal role as Team Leader in Mallacoota post-airlift, establishing operational protocols for subsequent teams, and later supported the NSW Disaster Chaplains during the Northern Rivers floods in 2022.
He serves as a volunteer chaplain for Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police, offering vital support to personnel in challenging roles. Tom's extensive contributions include training, emergency planning, and representing VCCEM at various emergency management forums, highlighting his commitment to community care and support in times of crisis