On Tuesday, August 12th, St John Ambulance Victoria proudly hosted the 2025 First Aid Champion Awards at Marvel Stadium, recognising nine extraordinary individuals for their outstanding acts of courage and first aid in real-life emergencies. 

Each of this year’s five winners and four honourable mentions were celebrated for their quick thinking, calm under pressure, and dedication to helping others, whether it was saving a neighbour, comforting a stranger, or responding to a crisis in their own home. 

These are everyday people who stepped up in extraordinary situations, and in doing so, they made a life-saving difference. 

Confidence to Act in an Emergency Matters 

Despite 80% of Australians having witnessed a medical emergency, only 1 in 10 people (9%) feel very confident in their ability to provide first aid. In Victoria alone, over half the population, 53% say they would not feel confident to help in a crisis. 

These statistics highlight just how important first aid training is. As Gordon Botwright, CEO of St John Ambulance Victoria, explains: 

“Our award recipients today are powerful reminders of why first aid education matters. Each of them took action when it counted, and in doing so, they’ve shown what’s possible when people are equipped with the right knowledge and the courage to step in. We want more Victorians to feel that same confidence.” 

A Diverse Range of Inspiring Stories 

This year’s champions include a mix of adults and young people, proof that age, background or experience doesn’t determine your ability to make a difference. From a child who responded with composure when a teacher was bitten by a baby tiger snake in the school grounds, or a neighbour who ran over to provide assistance when a man was shot on his leg trying to protect his daughter from a robbery in front of their own home, to a bystander who administered CPR until emergency services arrived in the middle of a busy shopping area, these real-life stories are a moving reminder of the power of preparation. 

Many of our awardees had completed first aid training, either through accredited or non-accredited courses, giving them the confidence and skills they needed to act in the heat of the moment. 

“At St John, we believe first aid is a life skill every Victorian should have,” Mr Botwright added. “By expanding access to our programs across schools, communities and workplaces, we’re aiming to double confidence in first aid by 2026, building a safer, more resilient Victoria for everyone.” 

Celebrating Our 2025 Champions 

We are honoured to recognise the achievements of our five outstanding winners and four honourable mentions, who each demonstrated courage, compassion and lifesaving action in their communities. Their stories will be shared individually, in the coming weeks, as part of our continued campaign to highlight the importance of first aid skills. 

The following outstanding 5 individuals have been selected for their remarkable acts of courage and first aid expertise: 

• Alice Ducat 

• Aaron Forster 

• Jordan Berger 

• Kiri Ferres-Jones 

• Ned Morgan 

We are also proud to recognise not just our distinguished winners, but also 5 honourable mentions who have shown remarkable dedication and first aid capability. These exceptional individuals were acknowledged at the event for the meaningful impact they have made within their communities: 

• Aaron Nauta 

• Noah and Taj Boyd 

• Sassafras Ferris-Coulter 

• Stephen Pratt 

A Salute to Our Heroes 

The First Aid Champion Awards not only celebrate individuals who have made a difference but also inspire others to step forward and learn the skills that can save a life. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder: anyone can be a hero, with the right training, and the willingness to help. 

Congratulations to all our 2025 First Aid Champions. Your bravery and selflessness are a shining example of what it means to be community-minded and prepared. 

The event was highlighted on The Herald Sun and you can read it further here: Kiri Ferres-Jones nominated for a First Aid Champion Award | Herald Sun