A grateful patient in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region has donated over $280,000 to equip the small town of Koorda with a brand-new ambulance. This generous gift supports the local St John WA sub-branch, where five dedicated volunteer officers respond to emergencies, often traveling up to 100 kilometers per call-out.

Boost for Volunteer-Led Emergency Services

Koorda, home to just 200 residents, partners with the neighboring Wyalkatchem sub-centre to handle more than 150 call-outs annually. The substantial donation ensures volunteers can acquire a modern vehicle tailored to their needs.

Steven Petchell, chairperson of the Wyalkatchem Koorda sub-centre, expressed astonishment at the gift. “I had to physically see the cheque to comprehend it,” he said. “The whole sub-centre was blown away. We never thought we’d see a brand-new ambulance out here.”

Safer and More Reliable Equipment

In Western Australia, regional sub-centres typically fundraise for new ambulances and receive suitable vehicles from metropolitan areas. Petchell highlighted the advantages of the new unit: “It will provide a safer, more reliable workspace. As technology advances, these vehicles enhance officer safety. Unlike second-hand options from Perth, a new ambulance avoids rattles, scratches, and dents, serving Koorda reliably for the next decade.”

Donor’s Gratitude to Volunteers

The anonymous donor emphasized appreciation for the volunteers in a statement: “This donation honors our local heroes, not for our recognition. We’ve relied on their service, and they deserve far more than this cheque. Learning that sub-centres manage all repairs, maintenance, and funding motivated us to contribute.”

St John WA, contracted by the state government, blends paid and volunteer staff to deliver ambulance services and offers support to sub-centres facing funding shortfalls.

Attracting New Volunteers

Chloe Bell, a volunteer emergency medical technician and administration officer at Koorda, noted the impact on recruitment: “New members are vital to our survival. We hope the community takes ownership of this ambulance, raising awareness of our reliance on donations and volunteers.”

Petchell added that fundraising falls to volunteers, but every contribution counts. “Even $20 from a pensioner means the world—it reflects the Wheatbelt’s strong community spirit.”

The new ambulance requires up to 18 months to build and deliver, after which Koorda’s current vehicle transfers to Wyalkatchem.