This Friday, 19 September, the community of Armidale is invited to take part in something truly special as NSW Ambulance hosts its annual Appreciation Day.
From 11am to 2pm, the Armidale Ambulance Station at 197 Barney Street, corner of Butler Street, will be open to the public, giving locals a rare opportunity to step inside, meet their local paramedics, and learn more about the incredible work they do every day.
This community event is designed to celebrate the compassion, courage, and professionalism of paramedics, emergency call-takers, and support staff who play such a vital role in keeping us safe. For many, an emergency call to Triple Zero is the worst day of their lives, but for paramedics it is part of their daily commitment to service, and Appreciation Day is about acknowledging their dedication while allowing the community to see behind the scenes of this essential work.
“It’s really a day for us to come together not only for the community but also for us to celebrate each other as paramedics.” Local paramedic Joanne Wood said.
Visitors to the Armidale station can look forward to live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a closer look at the specialised equipment and ambulances used during emergencies. There will even be opportunities to try CPR, giving people the chance to pick up practical lifesaving skills. Families are encouraged to come along, as there will be plenty of fun for children, from activities and giveaways to the thrill of exploring an ambulance up close. Food will be available, and the atmosphere will be relaxed, friendly, and welcoming.
“I think it’s a really important opportunity for the community to get a first-hand look into what it is that we do,” said Ms Wood.
“Everyone tends to instantly associate us with the big accidents, gory scenes and heart attacks but really so much of our day to day is providing community support and reassurance for people who don’t have anyone else to do that for them.”
For Armidale residents, this is more than just an open day. It is a chance to connect directly with the people who respond when the community needs them most, to better understand how an ambulance station operates, and to show gratitude to those who work tirelessly in high-pressure situations.
No RSVP is required – simply drop by between 11am and 2pm and take part in this unique celebration.
“Armidale is the busiest station in the New England region,” said Ms Wood, “So it is a bit of a juggle hosting an event like this while still performing all our usual operational duties but we’ve got it all planned out and it should be a great chance for the community to come and see some of our equipment and a bit of a behind the scenes look at how the station runs.”
Ms Wood has been a paramedic for 21 years but she says that pales in comparison to her station manager Michael Partridge.
“He’s been a paramedic for 44 years and most of those he’s ben stationed in Armidale,” said Ms Wood.
“We give him lots of grief – I always say I was still in kindy when he started out – but he’s really seen it all.”
Even if you cannot attend, there are still ways to get involved. NSW Ambulance encourages everyone to share their thanks on social media through their official channels on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, helping spread the message of appreciation far and wide.
Appreciation Day 2025 is not just an event; it is a reminder of the everyday heroes who live and work in our community, and the perfect opportunity for Armidale locals to come together to celebrate them.
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