When Makaylia Ravlich first joined St John Ambulance NT as an 11-year-old cadet in 1993, she began a journey that would grow into more than three decades of service, leadership and community impact. From her early days with the Palmerston Youth Division to her current role as Territory Officer Youth, Makaylia has become a powerful example of how one dedicated volunteer can help shape generations of young people.
Makaylia’s contribution has always been grounded in people. Across Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Alice Springs and remote areas of the Northern Territory, she has worked tirelessly to ensure young volunteers feel supported, included and encouraged to grow. Her leadership within the St John Youth Program has helped young members build confidence, develop lifesaving skills and see themselves as valued contributors to their communities.
Her impact can be seen in the strength of the youth environment she has helped create. Makaylia has mentored youth members, supported training nights and competitions, advocated for youth voices at Territory and national levels, and introduced initiatives that recognise and celebrate young volunteers. Programs such as the Junior and Youth Member of the Month have helped create a culture where young people are acknowledged not only for what they do, but for who they are becoming.
Makaylia’s leadership has also brought practical and lasting benefits to the organisation and the wider community. In 2025, she secured sponsorship for the NT Youth Competitions, reducing the cost to St John NT from approximately $20,000 to just $500. This ensured the event remained accessible and sustainable, while allowing resources to be directed to other youth development opportunities. Through partnerships with organisations such as Royal Life Saving NT, she has also helped young volunteers access additional lifesaving qualifications, including Bronze Medallion and Bronze Star certifications, strengthening both their personal capability and community safety.
One of Makaylia’s most significant contributions has been her ability to build connection across distance. In a Territory where communities are spread across vast areas, her consistent presence, encouragement and support have helped youth members feel part of something larger. She has strengthened participation, supported divisional activities and helped create pathways for young people to take on leadership roles within St John.
Makaylia’s story is also one of resilience. After stepping away from volunteering while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, she returned to St John with renewed passion and continued dedicating herself to supporting the next generation of volunteers. Her courage, compassion and commitment remind others that service is not defined by title or visibility, but by the steady act of showing up for people and helping them succeed.
Recognised with achievements including the Grand Prior’s Badge, admission as a Member of the Order of St John, a Bronze Commendation and Operational Support Member of the Year in 2025, Makaylia’s contribution is both deeply personal and widely felt. She has helped strengthen the St John Youth Program, inspired young people to serve their communities and shown what inclusive, compassionate leadership looks like in action.
Makaylia’s story deserves to be told. She represents the quiet, consistent and transformational work women have carried across the organisation for generations: mentoring, encouraging, advocating, organising and building communities where others can thrive. Through her service, Makaylia Ravlich has not only contributed to St John; she has helped shape its future.
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).
