Lachlan Zone takes in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Grenfell, Lake Cargelligo, Peak Hill, Trundle and Eugowra.

Greg commenced duties in Parkes last November and during this time has been made feel most welcome by work colleagues and the community alike.

`I have been really impressed by the professionalism of the operational ambulance team and also the friendly nature of the people and businesses in and around the zone,’ Greg said.

The role of the District Officer is to manage the staff and operations of designated ambulance stations within a Zone and to deliver patient care services in an effective and efficient manner, consistent with Ambulance Service legislation, awards and policies.

`In a nutshell this includes people management, operational leadership, major incident operational command, scene supervision, stakeholder liaison and asset management,’ he said.

Greg commenced his career with the Ambulance Service NSW in 1986 at Bankstown Station in Southwest Sydney before doing a brief stint at Green Valley followed by 17 years in and around Blacktown, Parramatta and Springwood in the Blue Mountains.

He was promoted to the position of District Officer in 2004 and again was stationed in the Bankstown Zone and briefly in the Northern Beaches Zone before deciding on a tree change and accepting a position at Parkes to oversee the operations of the Lachlan Zone.

- - - -

Meanwhile, all Ambulance Officers are now wearing new uniforms – and with it comes new terminology.

All Ambulance Officers are now referred to as Paramedics.

The Parkes `team’ includes the following:

* Paramedic Station Officer Wayne Rogers is the Station Manager. He has 29 years service and has been in Parkes for 21 years after his initial time at Bathurst.

* Paramedic Noel Ranger has been in Parkes for 20 years of his 21 years service. He has also spent time working in Orange and Bathurst.

* Paramedic Amanda Burgess has been in Parkes for two years after time at both Albury and Coleambally stations.

* Paramedic Carol Simmons worked in Hamilton and Redfern before transferring to Parkes just over two years ago.

* Paramedic Tim Ellis started his career in Parkes four years ago and has spent time at both Nyngan and Peak Hill stations before returning to Parkes.

* Paramedic Steve Dunn has joined the Parkes station after spending time at both Blacktown and Walgett stations. Steve, Carol and Tim all started their careers together with training in Sydney.

* Paramedic Michael MacRae was stationed at Forbes prior to moving to Parkes. With nine years in the service, five years have been at Parkes.

* Trainee Paramedic Barry Dann has almost completed his training with the team at Parkes and will soon return to Sydney before being posted to another rural area.

* Paramedic Amber Barber has been in Parkes for four years after serving 12-months at the Dubbo station and 18-months at Hay.

* Paramedic Robert `Bob’ McCallum has spent his entire ambulance career of 28-years in Parkes and is looking forward to his retirement. Bob’s time with the Ambulance Service of NSW will come to an end in July this year. He has had a long and busy career here in Parkes.

The Parkes station is planning a retirement function for Bob and anyone who may possess interesting photos or stories about Bob – especially his career here in Parkes – is asked to contact Amber at the Parkes Station as soon as possible.

More information regarding the retirement function will be released in coming weeks.