Gippsland paramedic wins Women in Leadership scholarship

In recognition of her outstanding work, Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) Mirboo North Team Manager Fiona Windsor has received the 2023 Council of Ambulance Authority (CAA) Women in Leadership Scholarship.

The scholarship aims to encourage more women to step into leadership roles and support the development of women as leaders in the ambulance health sector.

(L-R): Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Jane Miller, Paramedic Fiona Windsor and Total Coaching Academy Mentor Julie Piantadosi

Fiona said it was an honour to receive the award at the Women in Leadership Forum last week.

“It was so unexpected, but it’s nice to be recognised,” Fiona said.

“I’ve got to give credit to the Ambulance Community Officers and Community Emergency Response Teams that I manage because that’s where I’ve found my passion for being a good leader.

“Those two groups are really diverse and that’s what I love about my job.”

The scholarship provides Fiona with a tailored one-on-one 12-month virtual leadership course as she continues her work with Ambulance Victoria.

During her 13 years with AV, Fiona has been based in both Melbourne and Gippsland, working her way up to the Team Manager role.

She said she was thrilled to be selected for such a sought-after coaching program and hoped to further develop skills that would support diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

“I put in my application in the hope of being in a position to promote other women in leadership,” she said.

“AV has come so far in this space but it’s still something to keep in the front of our minds.”

Fiona joined AV paramedics Mel Leigh and Chantel Taylor as finalists for the CAA Women in Leadership Scholarship.

AV Chef Executive Jane Miller congratulated Fiona on her achievement and continued interest in uplifting women in leadership across the organisation.

“I’m delighted that Fiona was awarded with the scholarship and am pleased that Mel and Chantel were also recognised as finalists,” she said.

“Women make up half of our workforce and we are committed to ongoing progress as we create a safe, fair and inclusive workplace, so that all our people feel valued, engaged and have opportunities to take on leadership roles.”

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