Every year on International Women’s Day, organisations around the world pause to recognise the achievements, leadership and contributions of women who shape communities. Across the global family of St John Ambulance and the historic Order of St John, women play an essential role in delivering care, strengthening communities and advancing our mission of service.
From frontline volunteers and trainers to operational leaders, educators and specialists, women across St John bring expertise, compassion and innovation to their work every single day. Their contributions help ensure the organisation continues to evolve to meet the needs of the diverse communities it serves.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate just a few of the remarkable women at the Australian Office whose work reflects the spirit of service that defines St John.
Debi
Debi has dedicated an extraordinary 28 years to St John, serving in a range of finance roles and demonstrating long-standing commitment to the organisation’s mission. In 2018, she was admitted as a Member of the Order in recognition of her contribution.
Debi currently serves as Finance Manager within the National Product Sourcing Unit (NPSU) at the St John Australian Office. The NPSU manages our national online shop, supports corporate clients, and plays a critical role in supporting St John states and territories, St John PNG, and international branches by sourcing and supplying essential equipment, including defibrillators and first aid kits, at low cost.
In her role, Debi oversees a wide range of financial responsibilities. Her work ensures strong financial stewardship and supports the continued delivery of St John’s services across Australia.
For Debi, the role is about more than finance, “Working as a Finance Manager for St John Ambulance Australia is more than a professional role for me – it is a chance to combine financial experience with meaningful community impact.”
She is motivated by the opportunity to apply her expertise in ways that directly support St John branches and volunteers. In a not-for-profit environment where resources must be carefully maximised, Debi’s financial leadership helps ensure frontline services and community programs continue to thrive.
Charlie
Charlie has been a dedicated staff member of St John for over a decade, consistently demonstrating leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment. In recognition of her contribution, she was invested as a Member of the Order in 2024.
One of Charlie’s most significant achievements has been her leadership in developing the award-winning, evidence-based Learner Driver First Aid training course. The initiative equips learner drivers with practical, lifesaving first aid skills at a critical stage of their driving journey, strengthening community preparedness and empowering young drivers to respond confidently in emergencies.
Beyond her formal responsibilities, Charlie is also known for generously sharing her multimedia and photography skills to support St John events across the network. Whether capturing important milestones or highlighting the work of volunteers, she frequently goes above and beyond to help tell the stories of service within the organisation.
Charlie’s commitment to service extends beyond St John. She also serves as a Reservist in the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, reflecting her dedication to supporting communities both in and out of uniform.
Currently on maternity leave, Charlie celebrated a special personal milestone last year. She and her partner welcomed their daughters within weeks of each other and are now raising two young girls while balancing family life with their shared commitment to service.
Gab
Gab has spent the past year working part-time as an Administrative Assistant at the St John Australia Office in Canberra, supporting several significant milestones including Grand Council, an office relocation, and the annual Priory events.
Alongside her staff role, Gab is also a volunteer First Aider with the ACT branch of St John Ambulance. She earned her epaulettes as a fully qualified First Aider in March 2025. During her probationary period, one of her favourite duties was CBR NightCrew, supporting young adults in Canberra’s nightlife precinct and offering a safe, welcoming place for anyone who may need assistance during a night out.
While overnight patrols carrying a heavy first aid kit are no longer her preferred activity, Gab continues to volunteer through Community Education. She enjoys supporting First Aid in Schools programs during school holidays and teaching CPR and defibrillator use to aged-care communities.
Prior to her current role, Gab served as National Publishing Manager for almost 14 years, overseeing a publication portfolio of more than 60 resources including the Australian First Aid manual, volunteer training materials, and publications for Junior and Youth programs.
Gab also volunteered with the national Historical Society, helping make the story of the Order of St John more accessible to members. She played a key role in reinvigorating the St John History journal and preserving the organisation’s legacy. In recognition of her contributions, Gab was admitted as a Member of the Order of St John. Her proudest achievements include the editing, design and production of A Beacon of Hope and her work on the fifth edition of the Australian First Aid manual.
While International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of women across St John Ambulance and the Order of St John, their contributions extend far beyond a single day of recognition. Every day, women across the organisation lead, serve and strengthen their communities in meaningful ways. Members are encouraged to continue nominating and recognising the women whose dedication embodies the values of the Order, ensuring their service and impact are celebrated year-round.
