Inaugural Steven Tougher Award Honours NSW Paramedics at Annual Ceremony
09 Dec 2025
A dedicated, compassionate, and highly skilled paramedic has been named the first recipient of the Steven Tougher Award for Personal and Professional Development at a special NSW Ambulance ceremony held today at Sydney Olympic Park.
The award, introduced in 2025, commemorates the life and legacy of paramedic Steven Tougher, who tragically lost his life on duty in 2023. It will be awarded annually to a graduating paramedic who exemplifies the same kindness, dedication, and care that Steven brought to his profession.
The inaugural winner, Sally Fenton, was recognised for her exceptional professional growth, commitment to learning, and willingness to support others. Madison Tougher, Steven’s wife, presented the award and said it was a meaningful tribute that would make their children, Kobi and Lily-Mae, proud.
Around 100 NSW Ambulance staff from across the state were also recognised for their unwavering dedication at the end-of-year awards ceremony.
Among the honorees, critical care paramedics Marty Thomson and Stuart Gourlay received the Commissioner's Valour Medal, the service’s highest bravery award. In August 2024, the pair was winched from a rescue helicopter and abseiled 100 metres down a sheer cliff at Tom Thumb Climb in the Blue Mountains to treat a critically injured abseiler. With only one paramedic able to fit on the narrow ledge at a time, they took turns hanging in their harnesses, providing continuous care for 17 hours until a successful daylight rescue was achieved.
The NSW Ambulance Employee of the Year Award was presented to paramedic Martin Gibb, a volunteer facilitator who trains Community First Responders (CFR) in Captains Flat, Southern Tablelands. His dedication to education has enhanced CFR performance and strengthened community ties.
Paramedic educator Matthew Simpson received the Minister for Health's Bursary Award for his ability to mentor with empathy while maintaining high clinical standards. Intensive care paramedic Alexander Worrad earned the Michael Wilson Award for Leadership and Teamwork, recognised for his skill in uniting teams, fostering collaboration, and inspiring colleagues to excel.
Several community members were also honoured for acts of bravery. Edward White and Nicholas Saunders were recognised for their lifesaving actions at Balmoral Beach in August 2022, when they administered CPR and used a defibrillator on Hans Hendrischke after he suffered a cardiac arrest. Hans joined the ceremony to receive the Cardiac Arrest Survivor Award.
Other awards included Long Service Good Conduct medals, Commissioner's Conspicuous Service Medals, Certificates of Recognition, and Commissioner's Honour Awards, acknowledging the commitment of staff and volunteers across NSW.
The ceremony marks the final of four recognition events held in 2025, following earlier events in Dubbo, Newcastle, and Ballina.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“It's wonderful to see so many NSW Ambulance staff being honoured today – from paramedics to call takers, control centre staff, and volunteers – all dedicated to keeping our communities safe.
“These workers are there every day, helping people on their worst days with outstanding care and compassion. Special congratulations to the winner of the inaugural Steven Tougher Award, who embodies the same kindness and selflessness Steven showed throughout his career.”
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan added:
“It is a privilege to recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients, who provide critical care in life-threatening conditions.
“Our critical care paramedics demonstrated exceptional valour during a treacherous 20-hour cliff rescue. We are also proud to launch the Steven Tougher Award, celebrating a paramedic whose dedication has touched countless lives.”
Madison Tougher added:
“Having an award in Steve's honour is a reminder that his legacy lives on. It reinforces the values he held as a paramedic. He would be delighted, and Kobi and Lily-Mae can be proud that their dad has left a lasting mark.”
News Source: NSW Health
