Vale Chris Broomfield (1960-2021)

QAS Metro North’s Assistant Commissioner Chris Broomfield sadly passed away in October following a long‑term illness.

Chris was a currently serving officer of more than 40 years and was well known in the QAS community and was highly respected by his peers. He leaves behind his wife Rachel and daughters Sophia, Hannah, Cassie, and son Sam.

Throughout his distinguished career Chris worked across various roles including Officer‑in‑Charge, Area Director and Assistant Commissioner.

Chris’ career began on 6 July 1981 when he started as an Ambulance Officer with the QATB in South Brisbane. In 1999 he moved to Roma Street Station as Officer‑in‑Charge where he worked until 2006 when he was appointed Brisbane Area Director.

In 2008, Chris was appointed Central Region Assistant Commissioner where he worked until 2012 when he was promoted to General Manager Sunshine Coast Region. In 2018 Chris was appointed Metro North Assistant Commissioner where he remained until he passed away. Chris also relieved in many positions such as Manager Patient Transport Services, Area Manager, Rosters Manager, Manager Asset Services, Manager Operations Support, Region Manager Asset Services, Regional Manager Communications, Project Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Commissioner.

In his role as Assistant Commissioner Metro North, he lead, directed and managed all aspects of performance and operations at a regional level, including service standards, quality, logistics, reporting requirements, industrial relations, workplace health & safety, discipline, to meet QAS operational service delivery needs and business objectives. On 26 January 2005 Chris received his Australia Day Achievement Medallion (ADAM) and on 26 January 2009, Chris was recognised for his outstanding service, being awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours List.

Former QAS Director Peter Wood was one of Chris’ early partners on the road in South Brisbane from 1982.

“We worked together as partners for around four years and we worked well together, focussing on the best care we could provide for the people we were looking after,” he said. “Chris was an excellent communicator, got on well with everybody and was excellent with patients.

“He was very logistically‑focussed and had a talent with being able to diffuse difficult situations very quickly and effectively.

“Chris was also an incredible sportsman and could beat everybody in the station with darts, table tennis – anything he turned his hand to he’d excel at,” he laughed.

“I enjoyed every day with him as a partner. We didn’t need to speak – we both knew what each other was thinking when we were working, and things were done on the job between us so smoothly.”

Gold Coast Region Assistant Commissioner Peter Warrener said he and Chris worked closely from 2008 when they worked together in the Central Region.

“I was Regional Director of Operations at the time and we had 62‑64 ambulance locations and we toured around all of those, so we got to know each other pretty well as we were in each other’s pockets,” Peter said.

“When I went to Beenleigh, Broomie was at the Sunshine Coast and then when he was in Metro North, I was in Metro South and we’d speak daily. “He was a man of integrity; he was professional, and we used to joke he’d bleed teal he was so dedicated to the service.

“In my 39 years at QAS he’d have to be one of the most liked individuals I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “Broomie was consistently patient‑centric in everything he did, even when he moved away from clinical care, patients were still central to his decision making.

“One of his legacies was his focus on building frontline workers’ capacity and capability and he was the first executive to run a statewide recruitment program (previously local) – which was no mean feat.

This created an unbiased process providing real opportunity for job progression across the State, where previously people working in Mount Isa could feel they had little to no chance of moving elsewhere to further their careers.”

“He’d also provide future leaders with feedback to help them be more successful in a respectful and honest way. He was a real gentleman,” said Peter.

“The QAS without Broomie is like a pub without beer.”

QAS Medical Director Stephen Rashford worked with Chris for more than 20 years.

“Chris was a larger than life character who we all loved working with,” Steve said.

“He was committed to great patient care, a staunch advocate for his staff and overall, respected by all.

“Chris was always up for a chat and was someone everyone felt comfortable with. We will miss him dearly.”

Chris’ Executive Assistant Renee Dore had a long working relationship dating back to 2006 with both Chris and his wife Rachel, who also worked in the service. Renee then went on to work with Chris. Renee’s mum Desley also worked with Chris and Rachel.

“Chris was too humble to realise the impact he had on many people and how he helped shape their views on work, and life in general,” Renee said.

“Many people valued Chris’ insight and strength as a sounding board – a mentor – and he helped many people immensely.

“You could trust his feedback was valuable, objective and honest, which is hard to find and those who knew Chris, never took his guidance, support and friendship for granted.

“Chris continually inspired us to do our best, helping us to strive for our goals, and was a great leader and mentor, but most importantly to many of us, a great mate,” she said.

Acting Commissioner Craig Emery has paid tribute to Chris and recognised his significant contribution to the QAS and the Queensland community over the many years of Chris’s career.

“Chris will be missed as a colleague, fellow member of the QAS executive and friend to many in the service, and will be remembered with much fondness,” he said.