For over seven years, Kathy Donovan has been a driving force within St John, combining her passion for teaching, community service, and first aid into a rewarding dual role. As Training Team Leader in Commercial Training by day, and a dedicated volunteer First Responder and Training and Development Officer with the Maroondah Division by night (and weekend), Kathy brings her whole self to the service of others.

In her professional role, she delivers first aid training to both corporate clients and the wider public. Whether she’s on-site at a business or leading a public session, her mission is always the same: to empower people with the skills and confidence to respond when it matters most. “I love seeing people gain confidence as they learn new skills,” Kathy says. “It’s about taking what you learn in the classroom and using it out in the real world, at the supermarket, on the street, anywhere.”

Before joining St John, Kathy worked in the TAFE sector as an administration officer managing first aid training and nursing placements. Prior to that, she lived in Ireland where she ran her own business. No matter the job or the location, one constant remained, she was always the go-to first aid officer.

Her dedication to first aid is rooted in personal experience. Over the years, she’s witnessed just how vital it is to be prepared, from accidents involving her own children to emergencies in daily life. “One of my kids once fell at school and split their head open,” she recalls. “Situations like that make you realise it’s not just about sticking on a band aid. You need to know how to respond when it really matters.”

That deep personal understanding fuels her passion for teaching. Kathy recalls one corporate training session where, just a week later, a participant reached out to share how they had used their training to help someone in need. “They said if it hadn’t been for what they learned in class, they wouldn’t have known what to do,” she shares. “That really stuck with me, it closed the loop, seeing the real impact of what we do. It made my heart swell with pride.”

Outside of her work and volunteering, Kathy is a creative soul. She enjoys sewing, knitting, crocheting, and gardening; activities she often shares with friends, many of whom she met through St John. She affectionately refers to her colleagues and fellow volunteers as her “St John family,” saying, “I love the people I work with and volunteer with. Everyone shares the same mindset, helping others, working together for the greater good.”

She enjoys the fellowship and connection that comes with volunteering, even when paired with people from other divisions. “We instantly connect through our shared commitment to St John and first aid,” she says.

In the training space, Kathy is passionate about making learning approachable and practical for everyone, especially those who might never have expected to take on a first aid role. “We have to make sure the knowledge we share is accessible to everyone, not just those who do it every day, but also the office workers who might suddenly be appointed as the workplace first aid officer,” she explains.

Kathy Donovan is not only a skilled trainer and seasoned responder; she’s a champion for community safety and lifelong learning. Her work ensures more Victorians are ready to act when the unexpected happens, and her impact resonates far beyond the classroom.