The dedication of a small Wheatbelt town's local volunteers has been celebrated at last weekend's 70th anniversary of the St John Ambulance WA Wundowie sub-centre operating in the region.
The sub-centre held a community open day on Saturday, August 10 to acknowledge the momentous occasion.
Since 1949, volunteers in the Wundowie community have provided ambulance service to locals and those in surrounding areas.
Now 70 years on, the group has 44 volunteers who attended an average of 370 callouts a year.
St John Ambulance Wheatbelt regional manager Simon Burke said the level of dedication shown by the army of volunteers was instrumental in ensuring prompt assistance in emergency stations.
"The Wundowie sub-centre has been an incredible support to the Northam depot, backing up our paramedic crews when we have more jobs than we are able to handle," he said.
"They are a great bunch of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to serve the Wundowie and surrounding communities."
Long-term volunteer and past sub-centre chairperson Tamra Rogers thanked the volunteers for their support in putting together the event, as well as members of the public for attending - including several Life Members of the sub-centre.
Ms Rogers and newly elected chairperson Jarrod Marsh cut the cake - a life-size replica of a St John First Aid Kit.
The sub-centre ran a number of activities for the event including a CPR Challenge where guests could try out their CPR skills on a computerised mannequin and check your effectiveness rate, and an observation station to check blood pressure.
St John mascot Kura the Bear was in attendance, handing out goodie bags for the kids who also enjoyed face painting and a balloon artist and took part in a colouring in competition.
On display were three ambulances, as well as a community paramedic vehicle and Bertha, a 1950's Dodge International Ambulance Vehicle.
A free sausage sizzle was supported with food donated by the Wundowie Progress Association and the Wundowie IGA X-Press.
The sub-centre has completed a number of renovations and additions to their premises in the past year, with the addition of a second double vehicle garage, asphalting of the entire property, a retaining wall and landscaping and an upgrade of all lighting and electrics.
If you are interested in volunteering your time with the sub-centre or would like more information, contact the Wundowie sub-centre administration officer Amy Wittber on 9573 9333.
The Wundowie sub-centre is open on Mondays and Wednesdays 8.30am - 4.30pm.
