Tully paramedic leader honoured in King's Birthday 2026 Honours List

Vanessa promoting the CPR Awareness Program at an expo for local school students. Photo source: Facebook.

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A Cassowary Coast ambulance leader who has weathered the storm of Queensland’s biggest natural disasters has been recognised for community leadership and her role in reinforcing local disaster preparedness. 

Officer in Charge, Tully Ambulance Station, Vanessa Schafranek is one of three Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics announced as an Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) recipient in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List. 

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This prestigious recognition is awarded to ambulance staff who have consistently exemplified the highest levels of dedication and professionalism throughout their career.  

As Officer in Charge of Tully Ambulance Station, Vanessa Schafranek has served her beloved Tully community for the past 15 years, after first commencing as a paramedic in 2002. 

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As goes hand-in-hand with working in the Cassowary Coast region, Officer Schafranek has led her community through numerous natural disasters, including Tropical Cyclone (TC) Larry in 2006, TC Yasi in 2011, TC Ita in 2014, TC Debbie in 2017, and most recently TC Jasper in 2023. 

Drawing on her boots-on-the-ground experience during these disasters, Officer Schafranek has been instrumental in developing procedures that assist the QAS in preparing for natural disasters to this day.  

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In addition to Officer Schafranek’s efforts during disasters, she continues to exemplify the characteristics of a frontline operational leader. 

She leads by example, mentoring and guiding up-and-coming leaders and remaining active in ensuring positive welfare, wellbeing and psychological health in the workplace. 

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Officer Schafranek fell into the service by happenstance, when her husband saw an advertisement in the paper. 

“It was nothing I'd ever thought of beforehand - it was never, ever on my radar,” she said. 

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“It was just completely by chance that the paper was there that day, which we didn't usually have.” 

Officer Schafranek hasn’t looked back since, with 24 years of service now under her belt. 

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Officer Schafranek values the trust and support of her colleagues and the community, explaining that her love for rural areas is what drives her. 

“I think working in a rural setting is very rewarding because you see the whole circle. You see patients after whatever has happened and see the results of what you’ve done,” Officer Schafranek said. 

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With a preference to fly under the radar, she was shocked to discover she had been nominated for the award. 

“It's nice that someone's noticed that you've gone above and beyond, and you're doing a great job in that space,” Officer Schafranek said. 

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“It’s very heartwarming.” 

QAS Commissioner Craig Emery said that Officer Schafranek’s dedication and professionalism have made her a standout leader in the service. 

“This prestigious medal is a testament to her exceptional service, her tireless work ethic, and her passion for helping others,” Commissioner Emery said. 

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 “I commend Officer Schafranek on her exemplary service, and her fitting recognition as she joins the distinguished few to receive an Ambulance Service Medal.” 

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