St John Ambulance Victoria gathered last Saturday, 15 November, to honour the remarkable people who give their time, skills and compassion to keep our communities safe.

At the Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, held at Government House, 66 outstanding volunteers were recognised for more than 1,125 combined years of service across our organisation.

“Volunteers are the heart and hands of St John,” said Gordon Botwright, CEO of St John Ambulance Victoria. “Every shift, every event, every moment of care contributes to a safer, stronger Victoria. This ceremony is our opportunity to thank them and celebrate the life-changing difference they make every day.”

In 2024, more than 2,000 active adult volunteers contributed 205,079 hours of service, supporting major public events, responding to emergencies, delivering community transport, teaching first aid, and mentoring the next generation of Youth members.

Honouring Lifelong Service

This year’s ceremony shone a spotlight on individuals whose long-term commitment has shaped the fabric of St John in Victoria.

Among those honoured were:

• Peter Dalton awarded the Ultra-Long Service Medal, First Bar, marking an extraordinary 55 years of service.
• Gwen Neylon, recognised with the Ultra-Long Service Medal for 50 years of service.
• Dem and Sabriah Peterson, a mother–daughter duo each receiving their 10-year Long Service Medal, a beautiful example of how service can inspire across generations.

These milestones represent thousands of hours spent helping strangers, supporting communities after crises, teaching lifesaving skills, and ensuring Victorians receive care when they need it most.

Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders

This year’s event also carried special significance as six young Victorians received the Grand Prior Award, one of St John’s highest international honours for Youth. These young people each completed more than 100 hours of community service and achieved proficiency across 12 subjects, including emergency management, anatomy, leadership and healthcare simulation.

The ceremony also celebrated exceptional Youth achievements:

• Ella Heywood, awarded Youth Member of the Year:  recognising outstanding leadership and mentorship within our Youth program

“Seeing our Youth members stand alongside long-serving volunteers shows the strength and continuity of our mission,” Mr Botwright said. “For a century, the St John Youth program has helped young people find purpose, confidence and belonging through service.”

This year marks 100 years of St John Youth in Australia, a milestone that highlights the profound impact of Youth development on our organisation. Independent evaluation shows:

• 97% of participants report improved confidence and wellbeing
• More than 90% feel inspired to pursue careers in healthcare, nursing or paramedicine

These results demonstrate how St John Youth continues to nurture tomorrow’s community leaders and future health professionals.

A Ceremony Steeped in Gratitude

The Awards were presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria, Professor James Angus, on behalf of Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria and Patron of St John Ambulance Victoria.

St John was honoured to welcome distinguished guests, including:

• Sheena Watt MP
• Mark Engel, St John Ambulance Victoria Chairman
• Cameron Oxley, St John Ambulance Australia Chancellor and Chairman
• Gordon Botwright, St John Ambulance Victoria CEO
• Tim Wiebush ESM, Emergency Services Commissioner

“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of Government House and the opportunity to celebrate those who dedicate themselves to helping others,” Mr Botwright said. “Volunteerism is the quiet strength of our state, and our St John people embody that spirit every day.”

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

The 2025 Annual Volunteer Awards highlighted the compassion, leadership and dedication shown by volunteers across every corner of Victoria, from seasoned members with decades of service to Youth participants beginning their journey.

Together, they represent what makes St John so special: people helping people, united by a commitment to care.