Who We Are
The Order of St John
St John Ambulance Australia as the Australian Priory of the Order of St John, is part of an international organisation dedicated to charitable and humanitarian efforts.
Today, the mission, vision and values of this global movement and chivalric order, continue to guide the practical and high impact work of St John across Australian communities
The meaning of the Order of St John Cross
The four arms of the Cross represent the four virtues:
- prudence (carefulness and forethought)
- justice (fairness)
- temperance (moderation in all things)
- fortitude (courage and endurance)
The eight points represent the eight beatitudes
- Humility
- Sympathy
- Gentleness
- Truth
- Compassion
- Unselfishness
- Peace
- Endurance
- with eight points
- white, as a symbol of the purity of life
- with the Royal Beasts, the lion and unicorn, placed in the four main angles of the Cross, always looking out.
What is The Order of St John?
Order of St John: is similar to that of the Order of Australia, with the King serving as the Sovereign Head and the Governor-General, as Prior, being the senior officer of the Order in Australia.
Prior: the Governor-General acts as the head of the Order of St John in Australia (formally known as The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem).
Order’s governing Statutes and Regulations: the Governor-General assumes the role of Prior in vice-regal countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Australia’s Honours and Awards: The Order of St John is recognised as part of the Australian Honours and Awards system.
Royal Charter: Since the role was established by Royal Charter, all Governors-General have historically accepted the position of Prior.
Awards and recognition
St John Ambulance Australia and the Order of St John are an inclusive organisation, welcoming:
- Individuals of all faiths or no faith
- Individuals of all genders and identities
- Individuals from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds
Volunteers and members can be admitted or promoted within the Order of St John in the following grades, which are recognised under Australia’s Honours and Awards system:
- Member (MStJ)
- Officer (OStJ)
- Commander (CStJ)
- Knight/Dame (KStJ/DStJ)
- Bailiff Grand Cross (GCStJ) *appointed only by the International Honours and Awards Committee
St John also recognises the service of its volunteers through service awards, with medals presented for ten or more years of satisfactory voluntary service. These awards are also recognised under Australia’s Honours and Awards system, beginning with the 10-year Service medal up to 70-years of service being formally recognised.
Our Order in Action
Today, the Order continues to play a significant role in St John in Australia. It embraces the values of humanitarian aid, and the mission and vision that guides our good work.
In the modern day, it supports the volunteerism and community connection that is the backbone of St John, across diverse communities, and for all individuals. Our people are proudly St John. They wear their uniforms and undertake their duties with pride, dedication, compassion and professionalism. They drive our significant impact in community through a range of services, programs and products that meet community need in the prevention and intervention for illness, injury, accident, and suffering.
