Celebrating 22 Years of CERT Service

(By Rachel Ferrier)
On Friday, April 17, 2026, time was taken to thank and celebrate the incredible efforts and service of Birchip Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) team leader, Gail Sharp.

After 22 years of volunteering, Gail announced her resignation and attended her final case. Gail has been a driving force behind Birchip CERT since its formation at a community meeting in late 2003. She was appointed the first president of the Committee of Management in 2004, before operations commenced soon after.

Gail not only provided frontline emergency care to her local community, but was also instrumental in recruiting and training volunteers, organising roster coverage, restocking the CERT vehicle, and completing regular medication checks. She also provided a pivotal link between volunteers and the paramedic workforce at all levels.

Her efforts were formally recognised in 2020 when she was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) as a committed volunteer who consistently went above and beyond expectations in providing exemplary service to Ambulance Victoria and the community.

Gail was humbled by the gratitude shown to her and her team by the community, which was far greater than she had expected. Reflecting on her 22 years of service, she noted the highs and lows of the role, including the privilege of being “trusted to help deliver a baby or hold someone’s hand as they leave their life and cannot be saved.”

This support extended well beyond individual cases, with many stories shared on the night highlighting the countless people Gail had supported and the trust she had earned within the community.

Kevin Reid, a previous team leader, paid tribute to Gail’s unwavering dedication to the team and also presented her with a parting gift.

Gail was thanked for all she had contributed to Ambulance Victoria and the Birchip community. Although she will be missed, she left an incredible legacy.