New Minister for Ambulance Services visits VU’s Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine

Later this year we will be launching this world-leading facility.

The Centre was jointly funded by the Victorian Government and Victoria University (VU) and was co-designed by students and staff in collaboration with industry. 

Inside, the Centre will include three ground-breaking digital simulation rooms that can mimic emergencies in a variety of crisis environments including, treating patients in their own homes. It will also contain a mixed reality space, allowing students to virtually practice real skills with real equipment, and an ambulance van simulation room – which lets students practice patient scenarios inside a mock ambulance – where safety and preparation is a key learning outcome.  

Victorian Minister for Ambulance Services Harriet Shing today witnessed the final concrete pour of the new outdoor pavilion which will help paramedicine students experience real-world scenarios. 

The pavilion has been specially designed to support outdoor training exercises including road accidents and mass‑casualty simulations, using decommissioned ambulances and purpose‑built spaces. 

Victoria University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker said seeing the Centre come to life was a significant milestone. 

“We all know how important first responders are to our health and our society. This incredible Centre does justice to the special educational needs of paramedics now – and well into the future!” Professor Shoemaker said.  

“Proudly dual-sector, VU is a leader in paramedicine education and has one of the largest TAFE programs in emergency healthcare and non-emergency patient transport in Australia.   

“Along with our strong links to industry, the Centre will be key to successful outcomes for students, researchers and the people of Victoria.” 

In December 2025, Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria joined Ambulance Victoria as one of VU’s major partners. This will see more clinical placements for VU paramedicine students, exposing them to telehealth and outreach models, and an opportunity to engage with volunteer-led transport and wellbeing programs. 

Minister Shing said: “this world-class centre will deliver the very best training and support for our paramedics, giving them the skills, experience and confidence to thrive.”

“Victoria’s paramedics are amongst the best in the world and the care they provide is exceptional - we’ll always back them.”