Volunteer Speak
Meet our volunteers and understand why they love being a member of St John Ambulance (Qld).
I joined St John Ambulance (Qld) when I was eight years old. I became part of the organisation to help the community and gain experience to one day become a paramedic. I enjoy being a part of the organisation and take pleasure in the feeling that comes from completing a job. At the end of the day it is really great to know you made a difference to a person’s life. I love working in a role where there is the constant opportunity to save lives. Also the friends I have made since I started are just another reason to keep me coming back.
While being at St John I have been fortunate to be named cadet of the year three times and I have also achieved a second place in the 2007 competitions. I received a grand prize for 800 hours service and also this year I came first for the individual competitions.
Ethan Dooley of Sunnybank Hills (Algester Division)
Dear St John Ambulance,
My name is Kelly Burns and I joined St John (Qld) in late 2003. I joined because I wanted to be involved in the field of medicine when I was older and I wanted to build my knowledge and skills generally. The thrill of helping people in need and their appreciation afterwards is a really amazing experience and I wouldn’t use my spare time any other way. Being a volunteer has been a truly enriching time of my life and I have even been rewarded by being named Divisional Cadet of the Year twice, Cadet of the Year and I have accumulated 10 proficiency badges. I am very thankful to St John for all the experience they have provided me with and would urge others to take up the challenge of being involved.
Regards
Kelly Burns
Townsville
I joined St John (Qld) in 2000. I had always been interested in the medical/health fields and I felt like it would be a good head start for my career. Since joining, the highlight for me has been participating in both state and national first aid competitions. Also I have had much satisfaction in teaching the children lifesaving skills. Furthermore, it has been very rewarding assisting the public. Knowing that I’m learning lifesaving skills, truly motivates me to be a part of this amazing organisation.
Brendon Grady – Cranbrook, Townsville
I joined St John as a cadet in 1996 because I was looking for a new interest. It was an easy choice as many members of my family were involved at the time and they provided me with much inspiration. Since joining, I have taken great pleasure in the ability to lead and teach others. I also enjoy the opportunity to represent my division and state at first aid competitions.
Through my involvement I have been rewarded with a Grand Priors’ Badge for 500 hours service and I won the Sir Noris Kingsley award at the 2003 National Competition. I have also been a State and Adult First Aid Competition winner. Recently, I was fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of the Faulding Challenge Shield, which was a group event. I am now eligible to participate in the National Championships in June 2009. I am so proud of the group’s efforts and can’t wait to participate once again.
These competitions are great fun, and help hone our skills as first aiders by allowing us to be involved in first-hand experience in the field. Each competition has a different way of treating casualties and you always learn something new. At the end of the day though, I love being a part of St John Ambulance because I get to help those in need.
Sarah Cunningham, Hermit Park
Meet a member in five minutes - Casey Mc Dermott, Townsville
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance?
I saw an article in the newspaper and went along to see what it was like.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Getting to know new people and seeing different things and learning new skills. I have most enjoyed my duties at the Ekka.
Awards received:
Most improved cadet of the year - 2006
Community service award 2006-2007
Junior of the year - 2004
A funny/interesting story about volunteering?
Once at a mining festival, we were sitting around not expecting anything and all of a sudden we had all these casualties at once. It was awesome!
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
The opportunities, the people and the fun.
Meet a member in five minutes - Bria Corporal – Kirwan, Townsville
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
I Joined St John in February 2003, as a junior. I heard about St John through a friend of mine from school. I was really interested in first aid so I decided to go along one night to a meeting and haven’t stopped. It has been 6 years since my initial meeting.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I love volunteering. It is great when you go out on duty and come home happy, because you know you’ve helped someone in need. Volunteering for St John means I always learn new skills and it is fun putting them to the test.
Awards received:
Leadership award, Townsville division (2007)
10 proficiency badges
I am a corporal in my division
A funny/interesting story about volunteering.
Once I was on duty at the Townsville Amateurs Races and a man came up to the first aid post and said: “Can you give me something for my heart? My girlfriend is so beautiful it stopped.” It was really cute. I have many funny stories from teaching as well.
What motivates you to volunteer for St John?
I love making a difference to my community and to my division and I also love to teach all the cadets about first aid. Meeting new people on state competitions is also something I truly enjoy. Furthermore, competing is also really exciting and is a great practical experience as you can learn from your mistakes.
Meet a member in five minutes - Ruth Hosking, Eight Mile Plains - Registered Nurse and St John (Qld) Casual Trainer
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
I joined in April 1999 as a Cadet in Algester Combined Division.
I did a Senior First Aid course at school and absolutely loved it. I then dreamed of one day becoming a paramedic and joined St John as a means of maintaining my interest in pre-hospital and emergency health care.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
The thing I most enjoy is giving back to the community in a tangible and meaningful way.
Highlights - The Olympic torch relay 2000. Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2006, World Youth Day 2008, Goodwill Games 2001, the first Bush Beach (bringing kids from drought-affected areas for a holiday to the beach), Ekka, Steve Irwin’s Memorial Service at Australia Zoo, ANZAC Day parades, Christmas carol events (I’m a sucker for carols by Candlelight events!), St John First Aid Competitions.
Awards received:
St John Ambulance: Grand Prior’s Award (2005) and Priory Vote of Thanks (2008)
Other: Bronze Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (Gold presented by HRH Prince Edward), Queens Award - Girls’ Brigade (2003), Student Leadership Excellence Award - Queensland University (2005), Youth Citizen of the Year - Mansfield Electorate (2006).
A funny/interesting story about volunteering.
Surely I must have had the record for being the most isolated and remote active member of St John! I have just moved back to Brisbane, from Mt Isa and managed to maintain my efficiency during the 2 and a half years I was up there. I was a member of Brisbane Central No. 2 (BC2) Division (2000km from Mt Isa) and my nearest Division was Townsville (900km from Mt Isa). Let’s just say I didn’t quite make it to every weekly meeting! However I did manage to organise the BC2 training weekend in 2006 up at Mt Tamborine, whilst I was working in Doomadgee!
There are so many fantastic memories of being in St John Ambulance. Many good times, ‘good’ casualties and fabulous events to be at!
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
Helping others in need in the community. Being able to teach others about first aid. I have especially enjoyed being part of an organisation with such a long and distinguished history. The camaraderie of members is truly special and its always fun!
Meet a member in five minutes - Juliana Bate, Wakerley - Accounts Manager
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
Friends, learning and helping those in need. I joined as a cadet in 2000.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Teaching and seeing others develop skills to help other people.
Awards received:
Grand Priory and Duke of Edinburgh Bronze
What motivates you to volunteer for St John?
Support, resources, training, professional development and organisational structure.
Chris Anderson, Deception Bay
Factory hand
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
I first attended the cadets in1999 and I officially joined in 2000 in Dorrigo NSW. I had an interest in volunteering within the community and with/helping people. I was inspired to join after a visit to my school by a St John Ambulance (NSW) employee.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Sydney Royal Easter Show and Byron Bay Blues Festival. I also love helping people in need from within my own community.
Awards received:
I don’t recall exactly what it was called, but think it was some sort of commendation/thanks from the NSW commissioner due to the work I put into our small, dying division - Dorrigo Combined Division.
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
Helping people, building skills, receiving training, seeing particular sporting and musical events.
Meet a member in five minutes - Marina Giannards, Eight Mile Plains - Public Servant
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
I joined on 20 April 1988. I did a First Aid course and joined St John after that. I loved my division at the time and the people I worked with.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Volunteering at the Ekka. Helping people who are sick and injured.
Awards received:
Serving Sister, St John Medals, Service to the community. Commissioners’ Commendation.
A funny/interesting story about volunteering.
At the Greenbank show one year, I had to treat a horse that got a silver spoke in his rump. I treated him as a casualty. The horse got the same treatment that a human would have gotten if they had presented with a foreign object inside them.
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
Working and meeting interesting people, teaching first aid and volunteering with cadets and adults inspires me. Wanting to be a paramedic is something St John helps with, so this is just further motivation.
Meet a member in five minutes - Kate Gallagher, Registered Nurse
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
I first joined in 1998, because I was interested in learning about first aid.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Educating younger members and cadets about first aid and seeing them learn and develop important life saving skills.
Awards received
Cadet of the year 2005-2006
State Cadet Competition winner 2002 (team)
Adult Competition Winner - 2005, 2007. National Competitor
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
Helping the public and educating cadets and adults.
Ryan Thompson, Kedron
Energex Electrician
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
A friend prompted me to join in 1998.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Competitions, socialising, life experience and cadet camp.
Awards received:
Youth Leadership Award 2004 and a Priory Vote of Thanks.
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
Working with a wide range of people, giving back to the public and changing the life of cadets.
Cally Coventon, Mt Cotton - Advanced care paramedic
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
An interest in first aid in 1999.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
The competitions and cadet camps
Awards received:
Cadet Support Award and Priory Vote of Thanks.
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
Teaching and motivating others and interacting with other members.
Meet a member in five minutes - Amy Giorgantas, Taragindi - Student
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
To give back to the community and an interest in health care and first aid.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I most enjoy helping the public and furthering my first aid education.
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
It’s a good way to keep my first aid skills current.
Allan Cunningham, Mt Low
Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatcher
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
My family prompted me to join about 14 years ago.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Meeting Silverchair, Grinspoon, HIS and the Governor General, not to mention saving lives.
Awards received:
Priory Vote of Thanks.
Meet a member in five minutes - Andrea Young, Everton Hills, Team Leader - St John Community Care Transport
What prompted you to join St John Ambulance? When did you join?
I wanted to volunteer as an ambulance officer in New Zealand in February 2000 and continued with St John When I moved to Australia.
Special highlights of your volunteering? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Being able to attend big events at Suncorp Stadium and helping members of the community.
Awards received:
Priory Vote of Thanks 2008 and the Chancellors Leadership Development Program 07/08.
What motivates you to volunteer for St John Ambulance?
Belonging to a great division, with great members, who have become my very good friends.