The roots of St John Ambulance can be traced back to the seventh century AD. A monastery existed in Jerusalem that included a hospital for Christian pilgrims when the first Crusaders reached there in 1099.
The work of the Order was revived in England in 1831. In 1877 the St John Ambulance Association was formed to instruct people in first aid, home nursing, child care, health and hygiene. In 1882 a link with Jerusalem was re-established, with the construction of an Ophthalmic Hospital. The St John Ambulance Brigade was formed in 1887 to transport casualties in cases of accident or illness. In 1888 Queen Victoria conferred a Royal Charter on the Grand Priory, recognising it as a Royal Order of Chivalry.
The history of St John in Australia began in 1883 when the first St John Ambulance Association centre was set up in Melbourne. The first Brigade unit was established in Sydney in 1903. The Association and Brigade quickly extended their activities to the eight States and Territories. For more detailed information on the international history of St John visit www.orderofstjohn.org.
The History and Heritage Committee
The History and Heritage Committee is the Queensland branch of the St John Ambulance Historical Society of Australia. The committee is responsible for the conservation and preservation of its historical records, memorabilia and a small library.
St John (Qld) welcomes donations of significant items relating to its history in Queensland, Australia and other countries where St John Ambulance provides a charitable service.
Assistance can be given to members of the public researching aspects of first aid, home nursing or their family history. Individuals may contact the Historian/Archivist to clarify information about relatives who were former members of St John.
The committee also assists members to expand their knowledge of the Order of St John. This may include assisting Cadet Divisions with the Knowledge of the Order badge or providing historical information about the operation of St John in particular regions.
Contact is maintained with history committees in other States/Territories and the St John Ambulance Historical Society of Australia. St John members and the general public are welcome to join the Queensland branch of the St John Ambulance Historical Society of Australia.
If you would like any more information please contact the History and Heritage Committee via the Contact Us page.
Celebrating Women in St John Ambulance Australia. Our past, present and future.
It is ready! This brand new publication is a compilation of 140 women who have helped shape the history and create the future of St John Ambulance Australia. This publication will be launched in May 2012 at the Conference in Sydney as agreed by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC. Don't miss out!
Click here to order your copy of this very special publication.