Broome hero paramedic Jacqui Mackay receives national recognition with Ambulance Service Medal

Broome St John Ambulance paramedic Jacqui Mackay has received national recognition for her decades of service to various communities around WA.

The Victorian-turned-sandgroper was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours list in recognition of her 30 years experience and hard work as a paramedic.

After spending most of her time in WA whizzing around the streets of Fremantle, Ms Mackay decided a sea change was in order, moving to Broome about 10 years ago.

Since moving up, she has fallen in love with the Kimberley town and the team she’s a part of.

“In a town like Broome you really get to know every single person your working with — not just our green family — but the police, doctors and nurses,” she said.

“It makes the job really special, we see each other day in, day out and can really trust everyone to pull their weight.”

Ms Mackay said when she was first told of the nomination in December, she was surprised.

“I thought they might have the wrong person, I don’t really see what I do as anything above and beyond my job,” she said.

“It’s nice to be recognised, but I think every paramedic deserves the recognition.”

Having worked in almost every paramedic role imaginable, Ms Mackay is now the Broome assistant station manager. The station has seven qualified paramedics and about 60 volunteers.

“It’s definitely hard work, we have one of the seven qualified paramedics on with one volunteer at all times,” she said.

“But the workload is spread evenly and everyone is doing their absolute best to ensure Broome has the service it needs.

“I love this job, the challenges it presents and how rewarding it can be — I have no intention of slowing down or stopping anytime soon.”

Ms Mackay was one of only three medal recipients in WA, and 15 nationwide.

The medal recognises distinguished service as a member of an Australian ambulance service, and will be formally presented by WA Governor Kim Beazley at a ceremony in April.

Karratha’s Sarel De Koker and Brookton’s Clifford Leonard Fishlock were the other two WA recipients.