A deluge of rain could not dull visitors’ beaming smiles at Mount Larcom Ambulance Station’s century celebration, held at the station on 20 April, 2024.
If anything, “it brought people closer together” according to Acting Officer in Charge (A/OIC) Ben Williams.
“The rain was pretty constant all day long, but that really didn’t stop people from stopping by to mingle, check out some history and most importantly, celebrate the big occasion,” Ben said.
The last 100 years saw Mount Larcom survive turf-wars and the Great Depression, while keeping patient care at the forefront of everything its teams did.
Mount Larcom Ambulance Station was initially opened as an Honorary Centre, but not before the then Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) centre had to overcome a rocky start.
Its neighbouring Honorary Centre in Ambrose, located six-miles south of Mount Larcom claimed it had "infiltrated its territory".
Due to this conflict, ambulance services in both Mount Larcom and Ambrose suffered, forcing the state body of the QATB to step in to prevent further deterioration.
However it wasn’t until 1926 that the QATB Chairman reported the controversy was amicably settled.
Mount Larcom’s first Superintendent , Mr Alfred Mearing from Mount Morgan, was appointed 12 months after its establishment.
In the first year of operations, a report from the committee showed the station’s officers had attended 543 cases and with this, 4464 miles were travelled.
In its second year of operations, the Mount Larcom committee erected a permanent centre, moving out of their rented premises.
This new centre was a typical house with an office and a casualty room with space to accommodate the ambulance vehicle.
During the Great Depression, which caused severe economic downturn around the globe from 1929 to 1939, many ambulance centres around the state closed due to lack of government funding and public support.
However, Mount Larcom was able to persevere, miraculously surviving increasing costs of medical supplies, equipment and maintenance, while funds continued to decrease.
Flash forward to 2024, the Mount Larcom Ambulance Station threw open the doors for the community to come join in the celebrations for this historic event.
Former OICs Ray Trenaman and Graham Sealey joined current OIC John Moynihan and Ben in unveiling the centenary plaque and cutting the cake in front of a wonderful turn out.
John and his wife Alanah, who is a QAS Honorary Ambulance Officer, were both recognised for their dedicated support over the years.
Central Queensland District Director Claire Wehlow and Rockhampton Operations Centre Director Darren Pirie presented Alanah with her 20 and 30 year Service Medals, while John was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his unwavering 26 years of service to the Mount Larcom community.