We are thrilled to celebrate this monumental milestone: 100 years of our St John Youth programs!
Our journey began in 1925 in Glebe, in the heart of Sydney. And our youth program has since blossomed into a vibrant, nationwide initiative. Today, we have over 1,000 cadets actively participating in Cadet and Combined Divisions, boasting the largest cohort of cadets in Australia.
Our Cadet program is more than just an activity; it is a place where children and youth get to develop lifelong friendships and learn valuable skills together. Every week, our Divisions provide a place for youth to belong and develop their skills in first aid, communication, teamwork and leadership – growing them to serve and lead with confidence. Many of our cadets have gone on to achieve significant positions, successful careers in healthcare (as paramedics, doctors and nurses), government and business. Our past cadets can also be found amongst the ranks of our St John leadership today. Notably, our Lord Prior, Professor Mark Compton AM, also began his journey as a cadet in NSW.
Cadets and Cadet Leaders are setting new standards every day, as we have been for 100 years. In 2024, a Bankstown City Cadet Leader achieved 700 duty hours, Queanbeyan Combined achieved 6 Grand Prior Awards, Maitland Combined, Western Suburbs Cadet and Bankstown City Cadets represented Australia in the Asia-Pacific Competitions, and the daughter of the first ever Commissioner's Badge awardee achieved the same award herself. This is only a snippet of what is happening, but it shows how our remarkable story continues.
Look Forward To
There are exciting activities planned in celebration throughout this year for our youth members and teams include events (state and national), competitions, media opportunities and National Youth Camp in NSW (the first in several years. Additionally, St John has released commemorative merchandise available for purchase: https://youth.stjohn.org.au/centenary/
A Glebe Centenary
This year, we not only celebrate a century of youth engagement but also the centenary of the Glebe Cadet Division. It’s truly remarkable that this division, one of the few from the 1920s still in operation, continues to thrive in its original area.
The first Cadet in Australia to complete 2000 duty hours was from Glebe (John Ward KStJ). Cadet Leaders dominated the category in National Championships, delivering all the NSW champions in the event over a near 25-year period (Sophie Masters, Dr Christian Kunde, Dr Charlotte Robinson). The first Commissioner's Badge was awarded to a Glebe Junior (Sarah Nilsson OAM). Many members who have held senior leadership positions in the organisation also grew up as members of the Glebe Cadet Division.
St John continues to raise the bar with youth achievement and leadership. I am excited that NSW is leading Australia in our Youth programs, and I look forward to celebrating this remarkable achievement with you throughout the year. Let’s celebrate our past. And let’s celebrate today’s young people and leaders living and building on our youth program today. To the next 100 years!
Ilan Lowbeer - NSW Commissioner
Benjamin McClure - Deputy Commissioner, Youth
Dr Christian Kunde - State Youth Programs Coordinator
We’d love for you to take this chance to share the celebration with your friends and family and help them learn more about the St John Cadet program. Find more information through our Cadets page: St John Youth and Cadets
