Michell’s journey with St John began on 2 July 1987 when she joined the Richmond (Yarra) Division in Victoria. Starting as a Private, she steadily progressed through the ranks, demonstrating dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Today, after 39 years of outstanding service, she continues to make a significant contribution as a State Officer with the Awards and Recognition Team.
In her current role, Michell manages and maintains members’ service records, records service achievements, and reconstructs records for members transferring from interstate or overseas. Her attention to detail and commitment to preserving members’ histories ensure that their service and contributions are accurately recognised and celebrated.
Throughout her time with St John, Michell has participated in numerous duties and deployments, always bringing compassion, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help others. Her passion for caring extends beyond serving the community; she is equally devoted to supporting and encouraging her fellow St John members.
Her commitment has been recognised through several prestigious honours, including admission to the Order of St John in 2010, promotion to Officer of the Order of St John (OStJ) in 2019, and the award of the National Emergency Medal for her service during the 2019-20 bushfires.
Reflecting on the experiences of women in St John, Michell highlights the importance of ensuring suitable uniforms, accessible equipment, and greater recognition of women’s contributions through nominations to the Order. She hopes her story will inspire the next generation of women in St John to pursue their goals with confidence, determination, and a spirit of service.
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).
