Give things a go, ask questions, and never underestimate the difference you can make.

My connection with St John Ambulance spans more than five decades and has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful parts of my life. I joined St John as a Cadet on 18 June 1971 with the Essendon Nursing Cadet Division, beginning a volunteer journey that continues to this day.

As a young Nursing Cadet, I embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. In 1973, when cadets were required to obtain their Adult First Aid Certificate and transfer to the adult division, I joined the Essendon Nursing Division. Over time, I progressed through the ranks and ultimately achieved the rank of Sergeant. During my time at Essendon, I was also involved in the Mobile Nursing section attached to the St John Search and Rescue Units. Although I was never called out to an emergency in that capacity, I participated in their training weekends, which were always valuable learning experiences and a great deal of fun.

In 1987, I was promoted to Superintendent Cadets at Essendon Nursing Cadets. For a period, I also assisted the Williamstown Nursing Cadet Division when there were no leaders available. In 1997, I transferred to Footscray Division, where I remain an active member and currently hold the rank of Divisional Officer. In amongst all this, I was also lucky to attend the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games with the Australian St John contingent.

Between 1998 and 2000, I took leave from St John to undertake voluntary work in Papua New Guinea, primarily assisting at the Catholic Mission Station in Kanabea in the Gulf Province. It was a unique and enriching experience that reinforced for me the importance of service and helping others. Upon my return to Australia, I resumed my involvement with Footscray Division.

Throughout my years with St John, I have been fortunate to serve in many different roles. I have assisted at conferences, training days, Corps, State, National, and International Competitions, and for more than 30 years I have been actively involved in casualty simulation. I have also participated in emergency responses, including bushfire operations, serving with Search and Rescue units, and have always been willing to step forward when my community needed support.

I have felt deeply honoured to be recognised for my service through admission to the Order of St John as a Serving Sister in December 1992 and my subsequent promotion to Officer Sister in October 2008. In 2026, I was humbled to receive the Ultra Long Service Medal, recognising more than 55 years of volunteer service.

One of the greatest privileges of my St John journey has been mentoring others. I have enjoyed encouraging younger members and new volunteers, sharing knowledge, building confidence, and helping people develop their skills. I have been fortunate myself to learn from some truly inspiring leaders, and I have always tried to pass those lessons on to others.

One experience in particular has remained with me throughout the years. On 28 November 1986, after Pope John Paul II’s Mass at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, I was serving as one of the officers assisting with operations. It was a cold, windy Melbourne day, and as the event was winding down, a women approached and asked whether there was any possibility of getting a lift to the tram stop. She had recently gone into remission from cancer and wasn’t confident she could manage the venue’s long, steep driveway to the tram stop.

I spoke with the officer responsible for transport, and arrangements were made for her to wait with us in the event tent, until operations had settled down. As we talked, I learned that she lived locally. When two young St John members were ready to take her to the tram stop, I quietly suggested that they find out where she lived and, if possible, take her all the way home. When they returned, I asked how they had gone. Their response still makes me smile: ‘Anne, she lived just down the road. We would have had to drive that far just to turn around anyway’.

That lovely lady has never known how much joy that simple act of kindness gave me. She did not need medical assistance, food, or anything else. She simply needed a warm place to sit and a helping hand. Moments like that remind me that sometimes the smallest gestures can make the greatest difference.

On the morning I received my Ultra Long Service Medal, my nephews asked me what I had learned from more than 50 years with St John. My answer is clear: more than the awards, the years of service, or even the many friendships, it is the joy of helping others that has stayed with me throughout my St John journey. It is that joy that has kept me volunteering for all these years, and it is what I hope future generations of St John women will discover for themselves.

We [women] are incredibly capable and often bring unique perspectives and strengths to both volunteering and leadership. By stepping forward, supporting one another, and being willing to learn, we can continue to make a positive difference in our communities for generations to come.