Dear Team,
As I reflect on this previous month, one standout initiative was our involvement in the Heart Start Kurnell program. Our collaboration with Ampol saw the installation of two public access defibrillators and the delivery of CPR training to local residents. This was a great example of how our trusted training and resources can empower communities and build resilience.
During the month I joined in with St John NSW members and emergency services personnel at the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive. This year’s event focused on the urgent appeal for O-type blood, the most frequently ordered blood type by hospitals. Considered a ‘universal blood type’, it is often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters for the treatment of patients whose blood type is unknown in times such as trauma when large quantities of blood are needed in a short amount of time. I was immensely proud of our members in green willingly rolling up their sleeves.
Each year on 24 June we mark St John’s Day and the week’s commemorations were particularly celebratory with the annual rededication church service at St Paul’s Anglican Church Burwood and commissioning of Father Andrew Doohan as St John NSW State Chaplain by St John Sub-Prelate The Right Reverend Bishop Richard Hurford OAM KStJ. Congratulations to Fr Andrew, I look forward to working with him. We also had the opportunity to host a very special Parliamentary Friends showcase at NSW Parliament House to mark the Centenary of St John Youth. St John Ambulance International Lord Prior Professor Mark Compton AM GCStJ, also a former cadet and current member of Glebe Division, joined in with cadets and members of Glebe Division for a ceremonial cake cutting in the presence of Parliamentary Friends Co-Chairs Dr Hugh McDermott MP, The Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Health Minister, The Hon Ryan Park MP and members of Parliament. There will be more 100 years celebratory events in the coming months to increase participation from the wider cadet group.
Following extensive member consultation, we’ve introduced a new Volunteer Leadership Structure. The restructure aims to enhance support up, down and across the organisation, streamline our operations and provide clearer pathways for volunteer development, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to community needs. I am excited to see this initiative improve the support for our hard-working teams while creating more leadership opportunities across our state, and drive operations forward in a positive direction.
I attended meetings of the National Leadership Group and Federal Council in Darwin together with our national CEOs and Board Chairs. Discussions included St John’s aim to be a global leader in first aid and how Australia is strategically leading and actively influencing first aid across the globe not only by delivering high quality training but including thought leadership in research and innovation, shaping international standards and practices, and excellence in community engagement and public education. Our Learner Driver First Aid initiative is a stand-out example and showcases NSW on an international scale.
As we move into the second half of the year, let’s continue to build on these achievements. We continue to stand ready to respond and spearhead community resilience whilst growing future leaders driven to support their community.
Thank you for your service.
Dom
