Tim’s reward

By Bridget Cook
A DANDENONG postal worker experienced a ‘wow moment’ that was worth rewarding.
Dandenong Letters Centre postal transport driver Tim Ryan assisted a hit-and-run victim in Dandenong in August while he was on duty.
Last week, Australia Post presented him with a Wow Moment Award – for workers who go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to customer service.
Mr Ryan said he was sitting at the intersection of Thomas and Foster streets and Cheltenham Road, when a women to his left caught his attention when she opened an umbrella.
“She proceeded to cross the road at the lights when a white van came flying around the corner, through the lights and hit her,” he said. “He stopped, then proceeded to drive over her and then drove off.”
Mr Ryan didn’t hesitate after witnessing the incident, and quickly parked his van on the roadway to prevent the woman being hit again, called Triple-0, and attempted to keep her comfortable until the ambulance and police services arrived.
“It took about five to 10 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, but it felt like half an hour,” he said.
Mr Ryan said the incident left him shaken up.
“I was stunned that a person could run somebody over and then drive off and leave them,” he said.
“I was acting out of natural instinct to help someone in need and would do it all again if I was put in the same situation.”
Mr Ryan said he did not expect to receive the award, but was honoured. He also said it was one of three good things to come out the incident, after the fact that the woman survived and police caught the man involved.
Australia Post spokeswoman Prue Cripps said the Wow Moments Awards were a way for managers, as well as customers, to recognise the significant contribution of Australia Post employees within the organisation and in the wider community.
“The program was developed to recognise those staff members who show outstanding customer service, whether that be visible to the customer or behind the scenes,” Ms Cripps said.
Mr Ryan won a gift card, a certificate of appreciation personally signed by new managing director Ahmed Fahour, and a letter of congratulations in recognition of his efforts.