In 2025, St John Ambulance NSW proudly celebrated the Centenary of Youth. This was a milestone honouring 100 years of developing young leaders, building first aid capability, and nurturing generations of confident, compassionate volunteers. From the very first Cadet Division established in Glebe in 1925, the program has grown into a statewide community that gives young people the skills, friendships and experiences that shape a lifetime.
This year’s celebrations brought that history to life. September’s National Youth Camp and National Youth First Aid Championships were a highlight with the NSW Cadet Team proudly winning the Sir Kingsley Norris Trophy on home soil. Our youth members also had the chance to attend the national Centenary events in Canberra, including the Chancellor’s Dinner. The Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, had hosted a special Afternoon Tea to celebrate with us, and the youth also enjoyed a Centenary State Youth Formal!
The Centenary State Youth Formal brought the Cadet community together to honour our highest-achieving cadets and youth leaders, including 21 Grand Prior’s Award recipients, Cadets of the Year, Youth Leaders of the Year and our State and National First Aid Competition champions. Across NSW, divisions marked the Centenary in their own way, from local activities and community duties to milestone celebrations such as Goulburn Division’s 30-year anniversary and Glebe Cadets Centenary too.
Throughout 2025, one thing remained clear: the spirit of St John Youth continues to thrive. Our values of commitment, competence, compassion and confidence were displayed at every event, competition and celebration. They are the same values that have guided tens of thousands of young people over the past century, empowering them to learn, serve and lead in their communities.
As we close the Centenary year, we look ahead. A new chapter begins with leadership changes in the State Youth Team, including the appointment of Nicola Bailey as Deputy Commissioner – Youth, supported by new State Youth Program Coordinators in Strategy and Operations. The Centenary has given us time to honour our past, but more importantly, it has reminded us of the incredible potential in our future. St John Youth is ready for the next 100 years of service, leadership and community impact.
