Kingaroy Local Ambulance Committee in Kingaroy, Queensland | Community organisation

Kingaroy Local Ambulance Committee

Locality: Kingaroy, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4189 9801

Address: Cnr Kent and Edward St 4610 Kingaroy, QLD, Australia

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24.01.2022 It is difficult for us to imagine that if a world war broke out today, many of our Queensland Ambulance personnel would likely voluntarily enlist in the armed f...orces to serve their country. This was exactly the scenario for Queensland Ambulance in both World War I and World War II as we embark on this week's #ThrowbackThursday. Allan Pettiford commenced as an Honorary Ambulance Officer at QATB Roma in 1938 and enlisted for war service in 1940 where he was attached to the 2/12 Field Ambulance. He was onboard Her Majesty’s Australian Hospital Ship (HMAHS) the Centaur when it was torpedoed off the coast of Brisbane on 14 May 1943 and was discharged from the Army on 11 May 1944. He then resumed his QATB career on 9 January 1945 and was appointed to the permanent staff at Charleville. On 12 May 1943, the Centaur sailed unescorted from Sydney at 9.45am carrying her crew and normal staff, as well as stores and equipment of the 2/12th Field Ambulance - but no patients. It was sunk without warning by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine on 14 May 1943 at approximately 4.00am, its position being approximately 50 miles east north-east of Brisbane. The Centaur sank within three minutes. Of the 332 persons on board, only 64 survived. Four Queensland Ambulance officers were on board and only one, Allan Pettiford, was rescued and survived. The three other QATB officers who perished on the Centaur were Thomas O’Neill, QATB Gordonvale; John Clark, QATB Cairns and Maurice Williams, QATB Innisfail. Of the total ship’s complement of 332 people, 268 perished. Only 14 members of the 2/12 Australian Field Ambulance (out of 200 who had embarked) survived. Sister Eleanor Savage was the sole survivor of the Australian nurses. Allan’s record indicates that some of the Centaur crew were concerned when they set out from Sydney, as there had been attacks on Australian Merchant Navy supply boats off the Victorian Coast, just previously. The remainder of the crew, he said, 'felt confident of our safety, as we sailed under Geneva Convention and in a fully illuminated ship, marked with distinct Red Crosses'. It would only be the act of a coward to sink a hospital ship. Allan’s account goes on to say "our confidence was badly shaken on the morning of the 14th May, at 4.08am, by a terrific explosion. We were ordered to our boat stations. I decided to get into the lifeboat, before being ordered to do so, as it appeared to me that things were going to happen quickly. This move was probably the best decision I have ever made, as the Centaur quickly broke into two pieces. As it did I was elevated to a height of about 40 feet, looking down to the sea. The sea was running over the other half of the Centaur at ocean level. Suddenly my lifeboat was released, and I was thrown into the sea. Even though I had a life belt on, I went down many fathoms, being injured on the left leg by floating debris as I went down. On coming up and looking round, I could see half the boat was on fire. A number of the other survivors had just jumped overboard and it was feared they would have been taken by sharks. It was strangely quiet, except for an occasional call, and I heard the submarine's engine, no doubt we all feared that we would be machine-gunned. My good fortune continued, as I was able to get on to a substantial raft, which had a supply of water and biscuits. "After daylight on the second day of drifting, we were finally rescued. We had gone through the same old routine, scanning the ocean and sky for hopes of rescue. On the Saturday afternoon, 15th May, an Avro Anson plane, circling overhead, spotted us, and signalled that it had seen the oil flare. This plane was escorting a convoy that had left Brisbane, en-route to Sydney. What a glorious sight that plane was to us, as some had just about given up hope. One of the boats in the convoy was the USS 'Mugford' which came to our rescue. We were taken on board and treated very kindly. The treatment of these American sailors was something to remember. The Captain of the Mugford couldn't believe what had happened to us," Allan recounts. Allan passed away in 1999. He had served for 38 years in both careers as an army medic and in the Ambulance Service. Thank you for your service to your country and the Queensland community Officer Pettiford. You will be remembered.

24.01.2022 Save the APP that could SAVE your life.. https://emergencyapp.triplezero.gov.au/

21.01.2022 On a recent job to a remote cattle station outside of Julia Creek, Officer in Charge Greg was driving to the prevailing conditions on a slippery road with very ...soft edges after some recent rain when he came across some udder chaos. With the steaks already high steering these vehicles in remote Queensland, he had a beef with some pedestrians who were reluctant to mooove out of his way. From time to time we've herd of such challenges whilst working so remotely, and Greg is clearly used to it and found it quite amoooooosing. The bovines eventually ch-hoofed off and stopped milking the situaiton, with Greg making it through safely. #NoBull #CountThePuns #NotEvenSorry

21.01.2022 Another wonderful outcome - thanks to all involved.

20.01.2022 We're currently in the hottest part of the day, and with some parts of the state experiencing a heatwave, there's no better time to seek some shade or slap on s...ome sunscreen! If you're heading outside, try and wear some loose cotton clothes and a wide-brim hat. Remember to take a water bottle along, especially for the kids and pets!

17.01.2022 What a great story Well done Jon!!!

16.01.2022 This is a great initiative

14.01.2022 This is always the best advice 'If It's Flooded, Forget It!'.

12.01.2022 Congratulations to you all

12.01.2022 Merry Christmas from our QAS family to yours! These are some of the faces of those who will be taking your Triple Zero (000) calls and responding to your emergencies statewide this Christmas Day.

08.01.2022 QAS Clinical Director Tony Hucker gives some advice on how to beat the heat this weekend, with temperatures set to rise drastically around the state.

08.01.2022 Congratulations to Leroy on finishing his diploma and moving on towards becoming an ACP as well as Karina completing another semester at University... Karina N Leroy Holley kicking goals one day at a time

07.01.2022 Some really important #MensHealth tips shared by Queensland Health for men, particularly in their 30s. Your health is a priority - know your body, recognise any changes and make healthy choices for you! #InternationalMensDay2020

06.01.2022 Merry Christmas from our Kingaroy QAS family to yours..Stay Safe this festive season..

06.01.2022 Take note, reindeers! Please listen to the experts and make sure that sleigh takes its time and gets to every house in Queensland. Queensland Police Service Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) LifeFlight.

06.01.2022 QUEENSLANDER !!!!

04.01.2022 The first few minutes of an emergency are critical. Early help can save lives. You could be one of those people on the other end of Triple Zero (000) calls acro...ss the state, with Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) vacancies in Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton. If you believe you have what it takes to be an EMD with the Queensland Ambulance Service, we want you to apply! Head to our website today for further information on eligibility requirements and how to apply. https://www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/rec-emd.html

04.01.2022 WOW!!! How wonderful to have you back at work in neighbouring Nanango Lisa! You are obviously a very inspirational woman. Best wishes from all at the Kingaroy LAC

03.01.2022 Total respect for our Ambulance officers

02.01.2022 Thank you to the family of the late Ray Broomhall who donated his Honorary Ambulance Officer badges and other memorabilia to the Kingaroy Station. Back in 2007 Ray was honoured with a nomination for 'Honorary Ambulance Officer of the Year' in the Wide Bay area. He was successful and went on to win the North Coast Region final. Ray is pictured in 2007 with his wife Rose and John Box, President of the Kingaroy LAC (a role that he still holds in 2021 !!)

01.01.2022 Thank you for your service Wayne, it is greatly appreciated. Enjoy your retirement