QAS assistant commissioner Rita Kelly returns to Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay

The Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay branch of the Queensland Ambulance Service has welcomed its new assistant commissioner who has returned home with 15 years of experience.

QAS Assistant Commissioner Rita Kelly. Picture - Madeline Grace.

A paramedic has returned to where she was raised to take on a new role and lead the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Queensland Ambulance Service districts.

Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay assistant commissioner Rita Kelly started in the role this week after a long career in North Queensland.

Ms Kelly was born on the Sunshine Coast, educated at Maroochydore State High School and was heavily involved with the Maroochydore Surf Club as a volunteer surf life saver.

“My parents are still in the very same house I grew up in at Maroochydore,” Ms Kelly said.

“I also did a lot of travel to various countries teaching first aid and CPR.”

“Then I had a cafe called Rita’s in the Homemaker Centre in Maroochydore.

“I just really got that urge to get back into the local community so I applied to be a paramedic.”

Ms Kelly started her career in Mount Isa.

She was up north for 15 years climbing the ranks and along the way met her partner the father of her children.

“I’m excited to be back and for the new role,” Ms Kelly said.

“There’s a lot going on at the Sunshine Coast.

“Wide Bay has a large regional aspect to it which I’m used to dealing with.

“I’ll be able to bring that rural experience while also knowing the area and be a fresh set of eyes.

“Having been in various roles in the organisation I have a good background knowledge of the whole of the business.

“The challenge here is going to be around that high volume of workload that staff are experiencing.”

Ms Kelly is still qualified as a paramedic and said she likes to get back out there every now and then – to remember where she came from.

Originally published as QAS assistant commissioner Rita Kelly returns to Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay