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To many people Sir Basil
was a quiet mild mannered, community minded man. Most
would describe him as one of “Natures Gentlemen”. Sir
Basil was employed for many years by the “Charles Davis”
Department store in Hobart” In addition he was actively
involved in the Civic life of Hobart. He was an Alderman
on the Hobart City Council and for many years was our
“Lord Mayor”
As one of his duties as
an alderman Sir Basil was nominated as a local
government representative on the State Ambulance
Commission, ultimately ending up as its Chairman. Sir
Basil was highly regarded by both the Commission members
and the operational staff. A quick review of the Hobart
Mercury will reveal Sir Basil was often quoted on some
of the more contentious ambulance related issues often
arguing the point for more funding.
Such was the respect
that Sir Basil was held in by Government authorities
that he was seconded by the Victorian government to
review the then “Victorian Civil Ambulance Service”. As
a result of Sir Basils recommendations the Melbourne
Ambulance Service underwent significant change. Whilst
never an ambulance practitioner, Sir Basil identified a
need to encourage greater professionalism and training
amongst ambulance professionals and was a leader in
encouraging the creation of a professional institute for
Ambulance Officers. Sir Basils name appears on the list
of inaugural founders of the Institute.
This award was named
after Sir Basil in recognition of his active promotion
of Ambulance Professionals at a time when they were
little more than first-aiders. It is through the
foresight of people such as Sir Basil that our
profession has developed to the stage that it currently
is.
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