My St John story began in 1987, when I was 14 and became the first cadet enrolled in the new Port Kembla Cadet Division. A friend of my parents, who was the Divisional Superintendent, invited me to join, and I quickly convinced two friends to come with me. What began as weekly first aid practice, drills and community duties at netball, football and local events, then competing in state team competitions, became something much more enduring: a lifelong connection to service, care and leadership.
I am deeply grateful for what St John gave me as a young person. It gave me confidence, discipline, practical skills, friendships and a sense of purpose. It taught me that service is about showing up for others, often quietly, consistently and without expectation of recognition. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my personal and professional life. The skills I first learned as a cadet, teamwork, calm decision-making, responsibility, compassion and leadership under pressure, have shaped the way I contribute in every role I hold, including now as a St John Board member.
Serving on the Board has allowed me to give back to an organisation that helped shape who I am. I feel privileged to support St John’s ongoing work in building safer, more resilient communities, empowering volunteers, educating young people and being there when it matters most. My story demonstrates the essence of St John because it shows the lasting impact of investing in young people. A teenager who joins a cadet division to learn first aid can grow into an adult who continues to serve, lead and advocate for the next generation.
I also hope my story honours the contribution of women in volunteer and community organisations, the women who have led, mentored, cared, organised, responded and inspired, sometimes without their stories being recorded. Their service has shaped communities and created pathways for others to follow. I have been privileged to have served as a cadet, first responder and a board member with such inspiring women leaders, executives, board members and chairpersons. To the next generation of St John women, I would say: step forward. Your skills, compassion and leadership are needed. Service can open doors you may not yet imagine, and the confidence, friendships and values you gain can stay with you for life. I am proud to be part of the St John story, and grateful for the opportunity to help carry its legacy forward.
St John Ambulance Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on the Traditional Lands on which we work Australia wide. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, where our Australian Office is based. We pay our respects to elders past and present. At St John Ambulance, we are an inclusive organisation. We welcome and respect people that come from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, bodies, and abilities. Access to First Aid and its knowledge are fundamental human rights. Every person deserves access to life saving support, no matter who they are.
St John Ambulance Australia’s nationally recognised accredited courses are delivered by way of third-party arrangement with other organisations (for example, with our St John States and Territories). These St John states and territories (except WA) are authorised to deliver nationally recognised and accredited training on behalf of St John Ambulance Australia Ltd (RTO 88041).
St John Ambulance Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on the Traditional Lands on which we work Australia wide. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, where our Australian Office is based. We pay our respects to elders past and present. At St John Ambulance, we are an inclusive organisation. We welcome and respect people that come from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, bodies, and abilities. Access to First Aid and its knowledge are fundamental human rights. Every person deserves access to life saving support, no matter who they are.
St John Ambulance Australia’s nationally recognised accredited courses are delivered by way of third-party arrangement with other organisations (for example, with our St John State and Territory agents). These agents (except WA) are authorised to deliver nationally recognised and accredited training on behalf of St John Ambulance Australia Ltd (RTO 88041).
