“Andrew is not just a leader—he’s a visionary”
Macedon Ranges local and healthcare pioneer, Paramedic Andrew McDonell, has been recognised for his exceptional service to Emergency Management and awarded with the highest honour from the Australasian Institute of Emergency Services (AIES). As the most recent recipient of the prestigious Alan Alder Award, Andrew joins a distinguished group of only four others who have received this accolade.
A registered paramedic (MICA qualified), registered nurse, midwife, endorsed nurse practitioner, and physician associate, Andrew has dedicated over 40 years to healthcare, holding clinical, educational, and management roles. In retirement, he co-founded and continues to advise HMS Community, a local charity focused on keeping people safe at home and out of hospital through a unique community and paramedic-led model.
HMS Community provides homecare, clinic-based and preventative health services across Melbourne's northern suburbs and the Macedon Ranges. Andrew’s contributions to the field have been groundbreaking; from volunteering with St John Ambulance as an 8 year-old junior, to his instrumental role in securing university education and lobbying for professional registration for paramedics. His advocacy has reshaped Emergency Management in Australia and across the world.
A trailblazer in community paramedicine, Andrew was instrumental in the successful campaign for prescribing paramedic practitioners, expanding healthcare accessibility, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Despite his tireless work in innovation, education, and advocacy, much of Andrew's impact has gone unrecognised, making this award an especially meaningful moment for him, his family and those who have worked alongside him. “Andrew is not just a leader—he’s a visionary,” said HMS Community CEO Ranee Wilkinson. “His dedication to improving healthcare services, not just for emergency responders but for the wider community, is truly inspiring.” The award was a surprise to Andrew, who had travelled to deliver a keynote presentation at an AIES event, expecting to address an audience of emergency service personnel. Instead, he found himself the guest of honour, receiving recognition for a lifetime of dedication to community health and emergency management.
Andrew’s work continues to shape healthcare in the Macedon Ranges and beyond. With his invaluable leadership, HMS Community remains at the forefront of innovative, community-driven healthcare solutions.
Congratulations to Andrew McDonell on this well-deserved honour.
By Paramedic Ashlea Christenson – Community Paramedic & Community Engagement Lead
