12 May 2022 Media Release

Opening the new Templestowe Ambulance Station

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting ambulance resources and staffing levels and across Victoria, ensuring paramedics have the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to emergencies and save lives.

Minister for Ambulance Services Martin Foley today joined member for Eastern Metro Region, Sonja Terpstra and local paramedics to officially open the new ambulance station in Templestowe – one of 23 new stations delivered by the Andrews Labor Government since 2015.

Operating 24 hours a day, the new purpose-built Templestowe Ambulance Station features a six-bay garage for ambulances, training facilities and eight rest and recline areas for our hard-working paramedics to recuperate.

The new station was built to replace the nearby Doncaster ambulance station, which was shut in 2013 by the Baillieu-Napthine Government.

It provides easy access to the Austin Hospital and Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, local schools, shopping precincts and community facilities like the Templestowe Leisure Centre Stadium and Westerfolds Sports Centre.

A further 15 ambulance stations are currently either under construction or about to commence, including in Melton South, Mornington, Taylors Lakes, Moe, Oak Park, Clyde North and Warragul – meaning even more paramedics will be able to work from safe and modern home bases, helping them deliver critical care to more Victorians.

The new stations form part of the Labor Government’s continued investment in Ambulance Victoria, bolstered by an additional $124 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to employ more paramedics, buy new vehicles and get more Victorians the care they need.

Ambulance Victoria recruited 700 paramedics in 2021 – its single largest annual recruitment ever – to help respond to increasing demand. This recruitment drive continues with 174 paramedics already on board so far this year and a further 120 paramedics fast-tracked and starting this month.

Since coming to government in 2014, the Labor Government has expanded the paramedic workforce by more than 56 per cent – with an increase of almost 2,000 paramedics.

Ambulance Victoria continues to experience record demand, with ambulances called to 93,234 Code 1 cases between January and March this year – the busiest quarter in history.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“We’re delivering more staff, more resources and better infrastructure to support our dedicated paramedics – ensuring Victorians that care is just around the corner in an emergency.”

“Victorians rely on the expertise, compassion and commitment of our paramedics – and paramedics need modern workplaces, and the latest equipment to stay safe at work and deliver the best care.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Sonja Terpstra

“The Liberals cruelly shut the Doncaster Ambulance Station in 2013 – robbing the local community of an important health service and proving that all they do is cut.”

“We’re focused on providing the best care possible for local residents, who will now have an ultra-modern ambulance station right around the corner.”