We are thrilled to recognise the outstanding contributions of our St John NSW volunteers, who have been honoured in the 2025 Centre for Volunteering Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication, care, and lifesaving impact our volunteers bring to their communities across New South Wales.
We congratulate David, Jessica, Margaret, Rick, Sally, Dennis, Michael and the Fairfield Cadet Division team for their exceptional contributions and leadership! Their dedication reflects the very best of St John NSW – a commitment to community, care, and lifesaving service that inspires all.
Read more about the 2025 Centre for Volunteering Awards
 |
 |
| Central Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year – David Czerkies OAM
David has been a member of St John since 1985, bringing decades of expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the organisation. He currently serves as Emergency Management Group Lead, overseeing deployments and facilitating critical inter-agency communications during major state emergencies. Over his 43 years of service, David has been a guiding presence for countless teams, embodying leadership and excellence. |
Illawarra Emergency Volunteer of the Year – Margaret Vincent
Margaret has devoted an incredible 40 years of service to St John NSW. Her dedication to community care has spanned clinical leadership during the Northern NSW floods and the 1994 and 2019–2020 bushfires, as well as thousands of hours supporting community events and emergency responses. Margaret’s work as a clinician, manager, educator, and leader has shaped and inspired countless volunteers throughout her decades of service. |
 |
 |
| Southern Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year – Jessica Farries
Jessica began her journey with Sutherland Combined Division at the age of 12 and has grown into a confident and capable Cadet Leader. Today, she inspires and mentors the next generation, equipping youth members with vital lifesaving skills and leaving a lasting impact across Sydney’s South. |
Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year – Rick Bernecic
Rick has contributed over 2000 hours of volunteer service, supporting the safety and wellbeing of his community. This year, he stepped up during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, providing care at evacuation centres, while also managing the logistics behind St John NSW’s event medical teams. |
 |
 |
| North Shore Emergency Volunteer of the Year – Sally Fenton
Sally began her St John journey as a cadet in 2014. Over 11 years and 1,450+ hours of service, she now provides clinical care as a paramedic at events and emergency deployments. Sally’s enthusiasm is infectious, and she leads Cadet training, mentoring the responders of the future with passion and dedication. |
North Western Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year – Dennis Lavender
Dennis has served 28 years in St John Ambulance Hawkesbury Division, providing 500 hours of frontline duties and training in the past 18 months alone. He brings expertise, compassionate leadership, and steadfast commitment, and his impact on fellow volunteers and the wider community is enduring. |
 |
 |
| Western Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year – Michael Needham
Michael has been a volunteer with our Fairfield and Sydney University Divisions for the past three decades. He has continually improved training methods, mentored new members, and provided vital care to the public. His outstanding service also reaches the State Operations Support Group and Paddington Division, helping to lead logistics and as an operations and logistics officer, and clinical educator. |
Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year – Fairfield Cadet Division
The 12 members of our Fairfield Cadet Division continue to mentor, grow and inspire the next generation of community first aiders. They dedicate their time between studies and work commitments to invest in the youth of their division. Building their capability and confidence in first aid that helps keep their local community safe. |