“I clearly remember members of the community saying, ‘They let you drive an ambulance? I can’t believe that’,” Ms Walsh said of her early years with the organisation.

The MICA paramedics met in Bendigo when they began their careers with Ambulance Victoria in 1996. Today, they are part of the 43 per cent of female paramedics working in the state.

“It’s evolved really quickly – there's a lot more women now in the industry and we are seen as equals,” Ms Scollary said.

“We’re supported very much by Ambulance Victoria and by the guys that we work on the road with.”

Before 1987 women were prevented from becoming qualified ambulance officers due to a Victorian occupational health and safety regulation banning them from lifting more than 16kg. 

The regulation was waived and new lifting procedures saw the first two women start their paramedic careers on July 27, 1987.

“I didn’t see myself as any different coming into this career,” Ms Scollary said.

“I was really welcomed by the local community in Bendigo and the guys. It was about realising that we can actually do the job the same as the guys can.”

For Ms Walsh, she said it was difficult in the early days, but perceptions across the community and within the organisation had changed over time.

There are now three female MICA paramedics in Bendigo, including Ms Scollary and Ms Walsh, with another 21 male MICA paramedics based at the Strathdale branch alongside them.

Highlights for the pair include meeting the Queen in 2000 after winning an award together, delivering a baby and helping make a difference in people’s lives.

“That's really rewarding and fulfilling,” Ms Walsh said.

“My other highlights are working with fantastic colleagues, both past and present, so there’s some great moments that I’ll take with me after my career’s finished.”

Going forward, Ms Walsh said she would like to see not just more women, but more cultural diversity within the organisation.

“It’s a fantastic career – it is really rewarding and challenging,” she said.  “Every day is different and I couldn't have asked for a better career.”