Ambulance Victoria executive director of regional operations Michael Georgiou, Nagambie paramedic Neil McLeod, acting clinical support officer Brenton Wiley, Corryong ambulance community officer Sharyn Nankervis and Hume director of regional and clinical operations Narelle Capp.
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Nagambie paramedic Neil McLeod has been named Outstanding Paramedic at Ambulance Victoria's Hume region annual Staff Recognition Awards.
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The event on the evening of Wednesday, October 21 celebrated paramedics and first responders across the region, with awards recognising excellence, service milestones and graduations to higher qualifications.
Mr McLeod received the honour for his work leading the Heart Safe Community program in Nagambie.
The program is a joint initiative by Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation aimed at improving survival rates from cardiac arrest by equipping communities with the skills and resources needed to save a life.
Throughout the year, Mr McLeod engaged hundreds of community members in Nagambie and surrounding areas, providing training in CPR, automated external defibrillators and the GoodSAM Responder app.
He said he was passionate about giving communities these life-saving skills.
“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. It could happen to someone at the bakery or in a car park, and we know that in Victoria, 77 per cent of cardiac arrests happen at home,” he said.
“What someone does when they witness a cardiac arrest, while we are on the way, is vitally important for the patient’s chance of survival.
“If more people know what to do and can have a crack at CPR and using a defibrillator before we arrive, it will save more lives.
“Anyone can do it with the right confidence, awareness and exposure, which is what the Heart Safe Communities program is all about.”
Bec Avard, Neil McLeod and Brayden Gant oversaw the first rollout of the Heart Safe Communities program in Nagambie in October, 2025.
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Billie Davern
Hume director of regional and clinical operations Narelle Capp said Mr McLeod’s ability to build genuine connections set him apart.
“He has strengthened relationships with the communities he serves by building trust, creating partnerships and empowering local organisations to play an active role in improving health outcomes,” Ms Capp said.
“The knowledge, skills and partnerships developed through Neil’s leadership will continue to benefit the community well into the future.”
Other award recipients on the night included Corryong ambulance community officer Sharyn Nankervis, named Outstanding First Responder, and acting clinical support officer Brenton Wiley, who received the Clinical Excellence and Leadership award.
Mansfield paramedic Daryl Glover was recognised for 40 years of service, while Tallangatta Ambulance community officers Vicki and David Cottee were celebrated for 20 years of service.
More than 700 staff and volunteers work across Ambulance Victoria’s Hume region.
Ms Capp said she was proud of the dedication shown by crews throughout the region.
“Every shift, they combine expert clinical care with calm decision-making, compassion and teamwork, often in the toughest of circumstances,” she said.
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