By Xavier Smerdon
AFTER 35 years of serving the community one of Wyndham’s most tireless volunteers is finally putting down his first aid kit.
Tony Mesman has been a member of the Werribee branch of St John Ambulance Victoria since 1976, with the last 13 of those years acting as Superintendent.
Mr Mesman will retire at the end of this month to enjoy some well-deserved rest.
“As the Superintendent you work between 700 and 800 hours a year,” Mr Mesman said.
“I’ve had years where I’ve worked more than 1000 hours.”
The St John Ambulance in Werribee has around 50 volunteers, which Mr Mesman needs to be in control of all the time.
“Physically it’s a bit like running a business,” he said.
“You need to make sure the vehicles are running properly, the equipment is working and look after all the paperwork.”
Mr Mesman said a Superintendent even needs to make sure his crew’s uniforms are nice and clean.
While he has a long list of stories from his time volunteering, one particular memory stands out.
About 20 years ago he was sent to offer relief work for fire fighters working in Lara.
Mr Mesman and his fellow volunteers were sent the back way after being ensured that it was safe.
Not long later they found themselves huddled between two fire trucks as the fire tore past them.
“We hid between the two fire trucks and we could just hear the fire roar as it went over us,” he said.
But it is not all horror stories as Mr Mesman recalled how much he has enjoyed his time with St John’s.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said.
“It’s a little bit sad to be leaving but I feel like I’ve done enough now.”
