Community & Business
25 October, 2024
Excellence pays off for everyday hero
A COOKTOWN ambulance technician uplifting his community and going above and beyond to support First Nations people has won a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award.
Ambulance technician and paramedicine student Dylan Harrigan has won the excellence category for delivering exceptional care to patients across his region, and for his contribution to cultural leadership with QAS for the last nine years.
Dylan was one of 23 finalists selected from across the state for the 10th annual awards which celebrate the exceptional achievements of people within Queensland Police, Fire, Health, Ambulance, Corrections, Public Service, Education and volunteers.
Born and raised in Cooktown, Dylan has a true passion for helping his community, particularly his First Nations people.
“I enjoy working in my hometown, helping my people and giving back to my community,” he said.
“It gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing my community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, feel they trust me to care and treat them, and know they are in safe hands.
“My cultural knowledge aids in providing support to Indigenous patients and their families and creates culturally safe environments.
“I also educate and guide my non-Indigenous colleagues, so they better understand the Indigenous culture, community and people, and can develop their practice in caring and treating patients.”
During a severe weather event in Cairns earlier this year, while his colleagues travelled south to support, Dylan provided crucial assistance to evacuate the small town of Wujal Wujal, one of the hardest hit areas when Tropical Cyclone Jasper crossed the coast.
“I was fulfilling my role in providing cultural support to my people and community during the Wujal Wujal evacuation,” Dylan said.
“My role consisted of providing frontline contact support and assistance to all community members impacted by the severe weather events.
“There is great diversity in my role. Every day is not the same and there are challenges which provide opportunities for problem solving.”
Dylan said he was surprised and honoured to win a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award.
“It is a bit exciting. I do hope for more recognition for those who truly deserve it because of the hard work and dedication they put in to serving our communities and helping people,” he said.
As a winner of the Excellence category, Dylan will receive $2000 and an additional $2000 will be donated to a charity of his choice.
