More than two years after construction began, the site has been welcomed by paramedics and ambulance community officers, happy to call the modern facility home.
“We’ve got this fantastic new station,” acting Rochester team manager Kate Familari said.
“It’s just good for the town, post-floods. Something to look forward to now that we’re in it.
“I think it will be really good for the community.”
The station has a range of updated facilities, including a three-bay garage, two rest-and-recline areas, long-term accommodation, a training room, fully equipped kitchen, car parking and improved security.
“Construction is complete on the bigger, better Rochester ambulance branch,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.
“The new Rochester ambulance branch will provide paramedics a fit-for-purpose and modern workplace with the latest equipment and facilities to keep them safe and ensure they can deliver world-class care to their community for decades to come.”
The current team is made up of five paramedics and five ambulance community officers, including three local ACOs.
ACOs work on a casual basis, on call to support patients if paramedics are on other jobs, if the case is less severe or if backup is needed.
Rochy’s crew members hope these amenities will bring more paramedics and ACOs into town and keep them there.
“Hopefully, we’ll retain more paramedics and staff as well,” paramedic Ethan Rolfe said.
The opening was a long time coming. Construction work finished at the end of 2023, but building damage earlier this year delayed the move.
“The new Rochester Ambulance Station was completed in late 2023,” a Victorian Government spokesperson said in February.
“In early 2024, following storm damage, additional works were undertaken to the branch’s fascia and ridge flashings. These remediation works are now complete.”
The crew members are now operating from the new station at 22 Mackay St, relocating from their temporary Echuca Rd site.
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