News
20 August, 2024
Moreton Bay’s local legends
Two Moreton Bay locals have been nominated for a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award: a Narangba veteran and paramedic, and a young Moreton Bay State Emergency Service volunteer.
Murray Tulloch has been an Advanced Care Paramedic for 13 years, following a three-decade career with the Australian Defence Force.
Mr Tulloch said he was “surprised, but honoured” to be nominated for the award, saying it’s “a privilege” to be selected amongst “so many wonderful people working at Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS)”.
“The nomination is a testament to the paramedics’ hard work and dedication at QAS and I am immensely proud to be a part of this team.” Mr Tulloch said he thrived working in the dynamic, fast-paced environment at QAS.
“I was seeking a new career path that would provide both challenges and fulfilment when I discovered the Ambulance Service,” he said.
“We have a fantastic community in Narangba, and I feel a strong sense of connection after living here for 22 years and this job felt like a great way to give back.”
As an Advanced Care Paramedic, Mr Tulloch often assists patients in their most vulnerable moments, naming the most rewarding part of his job as “the sense of relief and trust people show” when paramedics arrive on scene.
“It’s a powerful reminder of our impact on the community and the trust they place in us to care for them and their loved ones,” he said.
“The diversity of cases we attend ensures no two days are the same, keeping us engaged and ready for any situation.”
Mr Tulloch said he also enjoyed helping develop the skills of early career paramedics, saying he gains “a lot of satisfaction” seeing his young trainees grow from “nervous faces” to “confident and capable” paramedics.
The other nominee is young Tristan Kolio, who is the Moreton Bay City SES Unit Media and Engagement Coordinator, while working full-time at his own production company.
Mr Kolio said he is “honoured” someone has taken the time to nominate him, calling it a “truly special part” of his journey.
Mr Kolio said he was motivated to join his local SES Group to help his community following the 2022 flood events in Moreton Bay, which affected his own family.
“I wanted to help, but I was still young and there wasn’t much I could do,” he said.
“I looked into SES and put my name down straight away. Now in my second year, it’s the best decision I have ever made.”
Mr Kolio echoed Mr Tulloch’s sentiment, also saying the most rewarding part of his role was helping the community in their most vulnerable moments.
“You may be serving people on the worst day of their lives, but the moment they see a person in orange approach, they feel relief,” he said.
“I find this is the most special part of the job, as you may never know the effect your role might play, even if it means you’re there to talk and listen.”
Although still going out on jobs, Mr Kolio focuses more on creating and managing media and content for the Moreton Bay SES Unit, sharing educational information with the public.
“I represent SES volunteers across the state and work closely with the Chief Officer to share experiences, give feedback, and ensure our voices are heard to drive positive change,” he said.
Mr Kolio is also very passionate about encouraging more diversity in the volunteer pool, being of Polynesian heritage as well.
Nominations for the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards are open until 31 August 2024.
The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of staff and volunteers within Queensland Police, Fire, Ambulance, Health, Corrections, Education, and the Public Service. Winners will receive $2000 and $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.
Finalists will be announced in September and winners will be recognised at the annual awards dinner on 11 October.
For more information visit https://qbank.com.au/everydayheroes
