At just 17, Ella is already proving what dedication, compassion and community spirit can achieve. This year, she was awarded St John Youth Member of the Year, recognised as Victoria’s best among hundreds of young volunteers who give their time to helping others.

For Ella, the honour is more than a trophy, it marks a journey that began when she first put on the St John uniform as a young cadet.
“I found a place where I could grow, learn and challenge myself,” she says. “St John has helped me become the person I am today.”

A Journey Built on Service

Since joining the Youth program at 12 years of age, Ella has embraced every opportunity: attending events, developing first aid skills, mentoring younger members and stepping up for leadership roles whenever needed. Her dedication quickly stood out.

This year alone, Ella contributed more than the required hours of community service, supported major public events and excelled across Youth skill areas, from emergency management to leadership and healthcare simulation.

Her peers describe her as a great person to be around, and she comes across as a natural mentor, who knows how to lift others up. She is an example of what St John Youth represents: confidence, capability and care for the community.

 St John Youth: Training That Saves Lives

The value of preparing young people with first aid skills was demonstrated powerfully at a recent major running event in Melbourne, where St John Ambulance Victoria provided high-end medical coverage.

At the finish line, two participants went into cardiac arrest, in separate situations. Both were resuscitated thanks to the rapid response and skill of St John volunteers.

One of the first responders performing CPR was a former St John Youth member, freshly graduated from the program. With confidence, composure and exceptional training behind her, she helped bring someone back to life.

This is what St John Youth does: it equips young people with real skills, real readiness and real capability to save lives. The program currently supports over 500 youth aged 12–18, providing real-world first aid experience rarely available to young people in other settings. More than 70% join with the goal of becoming paramedics, nurses, doctors or allied health professionals.

It also reflects the strength of St John’s first aid training more broadly, training that empowers both young people and adults to step forward when it matters most.

A Leader for the Next Generation

What makes Ella exceptional isn’t only her skill but her commitment to helping others succeed.

She regularly supports younger Youth members, offering guidance, encouragement and a reassuring presence at events and training sessions. Her leadership style is humble, supportive and grounded in kindness, the exact values St John works to instil in young people.

“Seeing our Youth members stand alongside long-serving volunteers shows the strength and continuity of our mission,” said St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright. “Ella is a brilliant example of the future of St John.”

A Milestone Year for St John Youth

Ella’s achievement comes as St John Youth celebrates 100 years in Australia. The century-long program has supported tens of thousands of young Victorians to grow in confidence, learn lifesaving skills and find belonging through service.

Independent evaluation shows:

• 97% of participants report increased confidence and wellbeing
• More than 90% feel inspired to pursue careers in healthcare, nursing or paramedicine

Ella’s journey mirrors these outcomes and shows what’s possible when young people are given the support and space to shine.

Looking Ahead

With her Youth of the Year Award, Ella steps into her next chapter with pride and purpose. She hopes to continue leading within the program and inspire more young people to join.

“Anyone can make a difference,” Ella says. “You just have to show up, be willing to learn, and care about the people around you.”

Ella Heywood, St John Youth Member of the Year, a shining example of the next generation of first aiders, leaders and lifesavers in the making.