General News
5 December, 2025
Legacy funds new Rainbow ambulance equipment
The Rainbow Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) branch has received a new vacuum mattress thanks to funds raised by the late Jim and Enid Sleep, long-time members of the Rainbow Ambulance Auxiliary who each gave more than 45 years of service to the town.
The couple were inaugural members when the auxiliary was formed in 1972 and spent decades fundraising to improve local access to pre-hospital care, contributing to equipment purchases for the branch and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the wider community.
Jim also played a key role in establishing the Rainbow ambulance branch, helping convince the Wimmera District Ambulance Service that the town needed its own ambulance and fundraising half the cost of the vehicle, equipment and radios so the service could begin operating in 1973.
The funds the couple helped raise have now been used to purchase a vacuum mattress for the Rainbow branch.
The device moulds to a patient’s body, providing secure and comfortable support for spinal injuries during transport.
Rainbow Ambulance Auxiliary member Peter Solly, who volunteered alongside the couple, said their impact continued to be felt.
“They were both very community-minded and extremely active within the town, volunteering at multiple organisations,” he said.
“The fact new equipment is still being purchased using the funds they raised is testament to how hard they worked to give back to the community.”
Rainbow ACO Team Leader Renee Clugston said the purchase would not have been possible without their fundraising efforts.
“Purchasing the new vacuum mattress wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Jim and Enid Sleep,” she said.
“We’re grateful to them, the community and the auxiliary for this piece of additional equipment, which will help our crews continue to provide the best care to all patients.”
Ambulance Victoria said locally raised funds and donations allow rural branches like Rainbow to purchase specialised equipment and support additional training for crews, strengthening patient care in regional communities.