Paramedics Enact Black Ban on Wollongong Station Over Severe Safety Hazards
Paramedics in Wollongong have taken a firm stand against what they describe as gross safety concerns at the local ambulance station, refusing to work from the facility starting Friday. The Health and Services Union (HSU) members have initiated a black ban on the Crown Street station, with intensive care paramedics shifting operations to the new Fairy Meadow station and general duty crews moving to a temporary site in Unanderra.
Longstanding Structural and Health Issues Cited
The decision follows reports of multiple hazards at the 57-year-old Wollongong Ambulance Station, including:
- Black mould infestations in various areas
- Crumbling concrete throughout the building
- Rotted supporting roof structures compromising safety
The Illawarra-Shoalhaven sub-branch of the HSU's ambulance division stated that Wollongong members voted overwhelmingly to return only if the station is demolished and completely rebuilt. They emphasized that proposed remediation efforts, inspections, or partial renovations have been deemed inadequate to address the fundamental problems.
These items are longstanding, with previous concerns and requests for rectification met with short term solutions, the sub-branch noted, highlighting years of unresolved safety issues.
NSW Ambulance Response and Business Continuity
Despite the paramedics' action, NSW Ambulance maintains there will be no impact on ambulance operations in the region. The same number of ambulances and crews will continue to serve the city during the ban period.
A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance confirmed that staff are relocating to Fairy Meadow and Unanderra stations as part of the normal business continuity plan. Regarding the safety concerns, they acknowledged that mould was found in the gym area of Wollongong station and has since been removed.
Further remediation works are planned for the roof, which was damaged following storms in the Illawarra, the spokesperson stated. NSW Ambulance continues to work with professional services and occupational hygienists to ensure the station is safe.
Historical Precedent of Safety Actions
This is not the first time paramedics have taken such action in the Illawarra region. In 2025, paramedics ceased working from Warrawong station due to multiple safety issues, including:
- Lack of security fencing
- Poor condition of buildings
- Water leaks throughout the facility
- Inadequate communication infrastructure
Paramedics reported being cornered by intruders multiple times at that location, prompting NSW Ambulance to install security fencing, new internal doors and locks, and conduct roof and gutter repairs.
The current situation in Wollongong reflects ongoing challenges with aging ambulance infrastructure in New South Wales and the determination of healthcare workers to ensure safe working conditions while maintaining essential emergency services for the community.
