SAASROA History

Preserving History

A large amount of historical equipment has already been collected by members.  It is held in a garage and shipping container at the Port Station where it is being catalogued and stored until a permanent home can be acquired.   It is hoped that a suitable museum will ultimately be developed, but this will require a great deal of planning and development.  Meanwhile we have some of the equipment in a display trailer that makes its appearance at various shows and events around the State, together with an old ambulance or two.

Achievements To date

  • The book, Two Pennies and a Piece of Wire, was launched in 2012. It is a compilation of the personal experiences of former employees, in which they describe what it was like being an ambulance officer from 1952 onwards. Copies of the book are available in many community libraries throughout the State
  • A Holden panel van ambulance was restored in 2012.
  • An Em-Care ambulance was restored in 2015.
  • Whilst both the panel van ambulance and the Em-Care ambulance are owned by St John, the Association has the custody, care and use of both vehicles, which are garaged at the Port Station. The restoration work on both vehicles was carried out by Association members. Also ready for the museum are four vehicles retained by SAAS for this purpose. These are a Mercedes Sprinter, an F250 Twinlife, an F250 Jakab, and a Commodore sedan which is also used by members of the driver group.
  • Many items of uniforms, medical and communications equipment, as well as documents and photos are being collected for the museum.
  • A memorial board listing former employees who are no longer with us has been implemented as a mark of respect for their involvement in the services, both St. John and SAAS.

Working Bees

Working Bees are held on alternate months, on the morning of the days the committee meetings are held.   The work involves basic maintenance of the museum vehicles and equipment, cleaning and organising, and cataloguing of assets.  This is important work which would use hard earned funds if purchased in the normal manner.

You can find the next Working Bee in our calendar 

Join Us now

Join the SAAS Retired Officers Association and experience the benefits of support, fellowship, and connection with the ambulance service and its history.

Download Membership Application Here