As we mark National Volunteer Week 2025 and celebrate 100 years of the St John Youth program in Australia, we are proud to share the story of one of our shining stars: Amber Seymour-Jones, an 18-year-old Youth Leader from Moonee Valley Division.

Amber has been with St John Ambulance Victoria for five years, starting as a youth member when she was just 13. Today, she leads and mentors the next generation of lifesavers, and she says the experience has given back far more than she ever expected.

“Every hour I’ve put into volunteering, I’ve gotten so much more back,” Amber says. “I’ve made lifelong friends, learned vital first aid skills, and found a real sense of purpose.”

For Amber, volunteering is more than just giving time, it is an investment in herself and her community. Whether she is backstage at a music festival providing first aid, or helping younger members build their confidence, she feels proud to carry on the legacy of the past 100 years of youth leadership at St John.

“It’s such a privilege to be involved with St John Youth. When I was younger, there were people in the program who made a huge impact on me. Now, I get to do the same for others.”

Amber believes the values of dedication, hard work, and excellence that defined the St John Youth program a century ago still shine today. Every week, youth members meet to train, learn, and grow, striving to be the best first responders they can be.

A passion for healthcare led Amber to St John, and her time as a volunteer has helped her take that dream even further, she is now studying to become a paramedic.

“If I hadn’t joined St John, becoming a paramedic might have stayed just a thought. But St John kept that passion alive and helped it grow. It’s been life changing.”

Amber also hopes to see more youth members stepping into leadership roles in the future, whether that’s in clinical care, communications, or even commanding event operations.

“Young people bring something really special. When we treat patients our own age, there’s this instant connection and comfort. That relatability is so valuable.”

Reflecting on her first serious patient, a person who had broken both femurs, Amber says it was a powerful moment that tested her skills and gave her confidence to keep going.

Now, as a leader, she is not just building her own future, she is shaping the future of others.

“St John has given me so much. I tell anyone who’s even slightly interested: just give it a try. You’ll meet incredible people, you’ll feel part of something bigger, and you might even discover a whole new path for your life.”

This National Volunteer Week, we say thank you to all our amazing volunteers, past and present, who have shaped 100 years of youth at St John. Here’s to the next 100.