When Craig Ellis joined St John Ambulance Victoria at just 14 years old, he admits he was nervous.

Like many young people considering volunteering, he worried that he didn't know enough and questioned whether he was ready. A decade later, Craig has not only developed into a respected leader within the organisation but has also been recognised with the St John Long Service Medal, awarded for 10 years of dedicated and efficient service.

Now serving as Deputy Senior Manager of Volunteering within the State Team, Craig's journey highlights the opportunities, friendships and life-changing experiences that volunteering can offer.

"I started as a 14-year-old and didn't know the first thing about first aid," Craig said. "But St John provided all the training I needed."

Over the past 10 years, volunteering has become far more than a commitment on Craig's calendar. It has helped shape his confidence, career and sense of purpose.

One of the common concerns Craig hears from prospective volunteers is the perceived time commitment. His advice is simple: don't let that hold you back.

"St John only asks for around 60 hours a year, which can be as little as one event a month," he said. "You don't have to give up all your free time to volunteer."

For Craig, some of his most memorable experiences have come from providing first aid at festivals and major events across Victoria. Volunteering has allowed him to gain hands-on experience, meet new people and form lasting friendships, all while helping keep communities safe.

"A good shift is one where you can have some fun, gain experience and help people at the same time," he said.

The skills Craig has developed through St John have reached well beyond first aid. Years of supporting people in a wide range of situations have strengthened his communication, leadership and decision-making abilities, skills that have also supported his career in emergency services.

Yet for all the friendships and personal growth, it is the moments when volunteers make a real difference that stay with him most.

Craig recalls an event where he was working as Communications Supervisor, coordinating responses across the event. Within the space of an hour, two young participants suffered cardiac arrests.

Thanks to the rapid response of St John's volunteers and event health services teams, crews were quickly dispatched, CPR was commenced and lifesaving care was delivered.

Both patients were successfully resuscitated.

"For those young people to be able to go home to their families at the end of the day, that's something that stays with you," Craig reflected.

Looking back on the past decade, Craig says volunteering has influenced nearly every aspect of his life.

"I wouldn't say there's just one thing volunteering has changed about me," he said. "It's been a huge part of my life and has shaped so much of who I am."

Having dedicated 10 years of service to St John, Craig remains passionate about encouraging others, especially young people, to take that first step into volunteering.

"Joining St John was one of the best decisions I've ever made," he said.

As we celebrate Craig's remarkable milestone, we thank him for a decade of dedication, leadership and service to the Victorian community. His story shows the impact volunteers make every day, not only on the people they help, but on the lives they build along the way.

Watch Craig's interview below: