We are excited to announce the production of The Premier Response happening in 2025!

This book is a thorough and investigative look at the 140-year history of St John Ambulance in Sydney, from the very first initial first aid class, the creation of a St John Ambulance Brigade, and more. It speaks to the value of the St John organisation in the minds of both Colony's leaders and the general public over the years, marking a significant part of our history.

Written by our very own Hon. Archivist and Librarian, Dr Matthew Glozier,The Premier Response is going to be published and provided at cost. We're hopeful for the delivery of this book in the second half of 2025 and are excited for how it will contribute to honouring and keeping the history of St John alive. Please keep an eye out for the upcoming presale of this book which will enable its printing!

Here's a sneakpeak from sections of The Premier Promise:

“The 1920s and ‘30s were a period of growth and expansion for St John Ambulance all over New South Wales. The experience of the Great War had been one of productive cooperation with like-minded voluntary bodies... This opened eyes to what could be achieved through united effort, as opposed to disunited local activity. Unlike the Anglo-Boer War, which was a largely New South Wales effort, the Great War had created opportunities for St John Ambulance leadership that carried across the whole nation. Thus, the period between two world wars saw the real birth of effort towards a whole-Australia St John Ambulance reality”

BERT sure looked a little different back in the day!