When Georgie first walked into a St John Ambulance Mildura Division meeting more than a decade ago, she never imagined how deeply it would shape her life.

New to the Mildura community and looking for something meaningful for her daughter Aimee to do, Georgie spotted a St John Ambulance notice in the local paper. Aimee was interested in nursing, and this seemed like a good place to start. They decided to attend a meeting together, not realising it would be the beginning of a long and meaningful journey.

“It was a really cold night,” Georgie recalls. “They were doing a rescue demonstration with a car from the speedway, practising how to get someone out of a vehicle. We were given jackets straight away. They really looked after us.”

What stood out wasn’t just the training, it was the people.

“Everyone was welcoming and encouraging,” she said. “My daughter was keen straight away. They kept asking me to join too, and I kept saying no, that it wasn’t my background. But they told me it didn’t matter where I worked. Anyone could be part of St John.”

The following week, Georgie returned. This time, the meeting was indoors and more routine, and by the end of the night, she had joined alongside her daughter.

A place that stays with you

More than 13 years later, Georgie is still part of the Mildura Division, now serving as Division Manager. In that time, life has taken many turns.

“There were periods where I had to step away,” she said. “I had a very sick father, a sister struggling with her mental health, and my daughter’s partner was killed in a motorcycle accident. Life became a lot.”

After taking time off, Georgie found herself missing St John, not just the work, but the sense of purpose it brought.

“I missed getting out and helping people,” she said. “What really pulled me back was our airport exercise, the mock plane crash. The makeup, the teamwork, the learning. I love it. I wanted to be involved again.”

She rejoined in time for the exercise, picking up where she left off and reconnecting with her division.

More than volunteering

For Georgie, St John Ambulance is more than providing first aid; it’s community at its best.

“Our division is very family‑oriented,” she said. “We celebrate birthdays. If someone is unwell or having surgery, everyone pulls together, we make meals, check in, support each other.”

Even during COVID, that sense of care didn’t fade.

“I was dropping off little chocolates and checking on people regularly. We really make sure no one feels alone.”

That culture of looking after one another is something Georgie values deeply and works hard to maintain in her role as Division Manager.

“We all step up where needed,” she said. “Everyone helps. That’s how we keep things going.”

Life skills that last

Outside of St John, Georgie works across hospitality, education and community settings, from running activities at a resort to working as a learning support officer at a school. She says the skills she’s gained through St John Ambulance stay with her everywhere.

“You learn things you carry for life,” she said. “First aid skills, confidence, teamwork, communication. You don’t realise how often you use them until you need them.”

Her favourite moments are at community events, where St John Ambulance is a visible and reassuring presence.

“I love interacting with people,” she said. “I love showing what St John does, helping families, and yes, I love making glove animals. They always make people smile.”

While her daughter has since moved to Perth and now drives freight trains, Georgie smiles proudly when she talks about how volunteering opened doors and built confidence for them both.

“She loved it,” Georgie said. “And I think St John helped shape who she became.”

A journey built on care

Years after that cold first night, Georgie remains grateful she said yes.

“St John Ambulance has been there through so many stages of my life,” she said. “It’s given me friendships, skills, memories and a place where I feel I belong.”

For Georgie, it’s simple.

“It’s about helping people, being there when it matters, and knowing you’re part of something that does genuine good.”

And for her, that has made all the difference.

Georgie's call for new volunteers in Mildura was featured in the Herald Sun.