For the past 10 years, Julia has been a familiar face at St John events across Victoria, volunteering her time and medical expertise to help keep communities safe.

A doctor and member of Footscray Division, Julia recently received her 10 Years of Service Award, a milestone she says is both rewarding and motivating.

"It's nice to be recognised for the time you put into volunteering," Julia says. "But it also encourages you to go further. You see people receiving their 20- and 30-year awards and realise there's real longevity within the organisation."

Julia's St John journey began when she was just 19 and studying medicine. Looking for hands-on experience outside the university setting, she joined as a volunteer to gain practical first aid experience and learn how to think on her feet in environments very different from a hospital.

A decade later, she is now an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar, training to become a specialist while continuing to volunteer at St John events ranging from local community gatherings to major concerts, sporting matches and multi-day music festivals.

While her career has evolved, so has her reason for volunteering.

"When I joined, I was looking for experience. Now it's more about giving back to the community and being part of a side of healthcare that I don't get to experience in the hospital."

One of the things Julia enjoys most about St John is the people. Over the years, her division has become much more than a volunteer team.

"They are my friends. They are a community for me. It's nice to train with them and volunteer alongside them."

Outside of medicine and volunteering, Julia is always looking for her next adventure. An avid traveller, she loves exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures through food. While she will happily try almost anything on a menu, she admits she has a serious sweet tooth. Her drink of choice? A cocktail over wine, and tea over coffee, although she still enjoys the taste of a good coffee from time to time.

Julia also has a creative side. For more than a decade, she has worked as an actor and extra in independent and short films, enjoying opportunities to step into completely different worlds when she's away from the hospital and event field.

More recently, she has taken up an unexpected new hobby: cheerleading. After joining an adult cheer team, Julia has discovered a new passion and says she absolutely loves it. The sport's energy, teamwork and challenge have quickly made it one of her favourite ways to unwind.

Despite her busy schedule, Julia remains passionate about encouraging others to volunteer.

"You don't have to be a healthcare professional to volunteer with St John. People bring their own skills, experiences and perspectives, and St John provides the training you need. Just give it a go."

Whether she is caring for patients, supporting communities at events, exploring the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, going on safari in South Africa, wandering the streets of Japan, performing in independent films or mastering new cheerleading routines, Julia embraces every opportunity with curiosity and enthusiasm. It's this adventurous spirit, combined with her commitment to helping others, that has made her such a valued member of St John for the past decade, and will no doubt keep her involved for many years to come.