On 24 June 2025, we celebrate a momentous milestone: 100 years since the first St John Youth (Cadet) Division was officially registered in Australia. 

From a small but passionate group of young volunteers in Glebe, New South Wales in 1925, the St John Youth Program has grown into a vibrant, national network of young people dedicated to learning lifesaving skills, leading in their communities, and making a difference.  

A Legacy of Empowerment 

For a century, the St John Youth Program has done more than just teach first aid. It has inspired generations of young Australians to become leaders, caregivers, and changemakers. Many of our cadets, now youth members, have gone on to pursue careers in healthcare, emergency services, and community support, all grounded in the values they learnt with St John. 

The program has provided a space for young people to develop leadership skills, serve their communities at events, and build lasting friendships, all while contributing to a safer and more resilient Australia.  

“St John is a core reason why my leadership skills are the way they are. It put me into the career I love and helped me boost my self-confidence” said a current youth member.  

A recent Impact Report conducted by St John Ambulance Australia shows that 68% of current youth members say the St John Youth program has significantly improved their confidence. 100% of current youth respondents said they feel more prepared to respond to emergencies than they did before they started the St John program. 

More Than Just First Aid 

As we reflect on 100 years of St John Youth, we also recognise the wider impact of this program. It helps raise a strong culture of volunteerism, improves community first aid knowledge, and offers a pathway into careers in health and emergency care. 

“Our youth members are the future of St John. They embody our mission of saving lives and serving the community, and they inspire us every day,” said Gordon Botwright, CEO of St John Ambulance Victoria. 

A Time to Celebrate and Look Forward 

This centenary is more than just a look back at our history. It’s an opportunity to: 

• Celebrate the thousands of young people and youth leaders who have shaped St John 

• Inspire new youth to join and contribute to our community 

• Shine a light on the impact youth programs can have across generations.  

67% of the Impact Report respondents said that St John has positively influenced their career aspirations, specifically in healthcare, like Dr Xuan. 

“I joined St John as a cadet because a friend said it would be fun, and it was. But what really inspired me to stay was the chance to grow, to lead, and to learn from others. As a young person, St John gave me skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose that’s shaped who I am today. I’m now a doctor, and I still volunteer, because I believe in giving back to the program that helped me become the person I am.” said Dr Xuan, past youth member and now Doctor volunteer. 

Better Together 

As we mark 100 years of the St John Youth Program, we celebrate a shared history across all states and territories. This moment connects every youth member, past and present, who has worn the uniform with pride and served their community with heart. 

We look forward to the next 100 years of empowering young people through skills, service, and leadership, because when we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of St John, and in a stronger, safer Victoria.