General News
25 July, 2022
St John calls for volunteers of all ages
Maryborough’s branch of St John Ambulance Victoria are on the look out for new members, with residents both young and old encouraged to apply. An organisation built around community support, St John’s provides first aid training for both adults...
Maryborough’s branch of St John Ambulance Victoria are on the look out for new members, with residents both young and old encouraged to apply.
An organisation built around community support, St John’s provides first aid training for both adults and young people, health services and equipment at community events and also provide community transport for the vulnerable, among others.
The local volunteer branch has been running since the 1970s and in its more than 40 years, has provided first aid support and training at countless events not just locally but across the state.
With membership numbers dropping to just six largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic divisional manager Graham Fary is hopeful some new members will come on board.
“We’ve got four adult and two youth members here currently and we want to get those numbers up to around 10 or 15 members for both adult and youth,” he said.
“COVID has been a challenge for us, it meant we ceased duties for two years and we hadn’t been able to go out much.
“Because of that, interest has waned off a bit and people have left because they haven’t been able to get out and about — it’s had a big impact on membership.”
Mr Fary said St John offers a number of services locally and further afield, as well as some unique experiences for members.
“Here in Maryborough we’re a first aid organisation, so we go out to various events like the football and netball, festivals, motor racing and everything in between, we attend events that have to have first aid there,” he said.
“I have attended concerts in the past through St John’s like The Eagles and AC/DC which was great.
“We also attend fires a lot during the fire season, particularly for larger ones we will be away for four or five days at a time to support brigades in terms of first aid.”
Mr Fary said St John can open pathways for members into health careers, while also teaching them new skills and abilities along the way.
“There’s a young lady who joined us as a youth and she has just qualified as a doctor. There have been quite a few people who have started with us and worked their way through to a health profession,” he said.
“A number of young people who have joined have gone on to become paramedics and nurses as well so it can lead into medical professions as well as gaining new skills through our leadership programs and courses.
“St John’s gives you the opportunity to meet new people, travel outside the area and learn new skills.”
Maryborough is one of just three locations in Victoria to have a youth branch, alongside Geelong and Wodonga.
For more information or to apply as a member, visit www.stjohnvic.com.au or call Graham on 0407 821 348.