Paramedics are often the front line of human tragedies, saving lives, tending to the injured and comforting the distressed.

For the sixth year in a row Readers Digest has announced that Paramedics had been voted the most trusted profession in Australia, something which would come as no surprise to those who have experienced their work first hand.

Their work often goes unrecognised by many in the community but not by all. Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise initiated the Paramedic of the Year awards to acknowledge The chosen vocation of paramedics through the dedication and service they provide in communities through-out the Northern Territory, with the awards now in their 10th year.

Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise president Wendy Mackay said: "As with my predecessors, it is my honour as president of the Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise to be involved with this year’s award. The role that paramedics play in our community is vital, but often overlooked. Their devotion to a role that puts them at the frontline of incidents, that most of us would hope to avoid in our lifetimes, is admirable. However, it is, for the most part, a role that goes unnoticed or at the least, unrecognised. Through these annual awards we are able, in some small part, to lift the profile of these amazing people and to highlight the truly wonderful part they play in our community. It is our small way of saying ‘thank you’ to a group of people, without whose dedication to their chosen profession, we would be much worse off."

The awards committee is comprised of membership from both the Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise and St John Ambulance (NT) and they work in partnership to organise the annual event.

The award aims to recognise the dedicated Northern Territory paramedics who provide a vital role in the community.

This award goes some way to saying ‘thank you’ for the amazing efforts they put in and a recognition from their peers for their devotion to duty which in some cases, is often difficult and dangerous.

Nominations are being sought for this year’s award with nomination forms available from St John Ambulance centres throughout the Territory and also on the Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise website www.rotarnet.com.au/darwinsunrise. (Nominations are now closed)

Closing date for this year’s award is Friday, July 31.

The award ceremony will be held at Parliament House on Friday, September 11, hosted by Health Minister Kon Vatskalis.

"Rotary also gratefully acknowledges the sponsors for this year’s awards," Wendy Mackay said.

• NT Government
• Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union

  Last years winner Beverly Hellyer with former Minister for Health Dr Chris Burns

• JRTelecommunications
• Fire Protection Professionals
• Darwin Airport Resort
• Territory Surgical Supplies
• Country Classics
• Zip Print

Previous Winners of the Paramedic of the Year award:

• 2008: Beverley Hellyer (Katherine)
• 2007: Chris Wilson (Tennant Creek)
• 2006: Annette Ingham (Darwin)
• 2005: Anthony Wood (Darwin)
• 2004: Trevor Keatch (Katherine)
• 2003: Sue Murphy and Karen Joyner (Darwin) communications officers
• 2002: Peter Poole (Darwin)
• 2001: Anne-Marie Muscat (Darwin)
• 2000: Jim Leigh (Darwin)

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