From Queensland to WA: A paramedic’s journey of finding balance and purpose

After seven years in Queensland, paramedic Lauren Tenardi has returned to Western Australia – bringing her career full circle and embracing a new chapter with St John WA.

“I grew up here in WA but moved to Queensland in 2017 for a change in scenery,” she said.

“I began my degree in paramedical sciences in 2018 at Central Queensland University (CQU), which I completed at the end of 2020.”

“I was lucky enough to secure a position as a graduate paramedic with Queensland Ambulance Service at the beginning of 2021 and qualified as an advanced care paramedic six months later.”

In 2024, Lauren began facilitating as an academic for paramedicine at CQU.

“It was a lovely full-circle achievement,” she said.

In time, the pull to return west became stronger.

“I’ve always been keen to return to my home state to be close to family and be able to give back to my community,” Lauren said.

“I’ve travelled to most of Australia’s states over the years, and WA has some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen – particularly the white sandy beaches and clear blue water.”

Lauren made the move back in July 2024 and completed six weeks of onboarding with SJWA.

“The six weeks flew by, and I learnt so much about my new service in that small timeframe,” she said.

“The trainers were great, and I felt well prepared to enter back into full-time on-road work.”

Adjusting to the new service came with a few quirks.

“Breaking out of old lingo habits has been a hard one to kick, but 3 months on-road and I’m finally starting to get the swing of it,” she said.

“It can also be hard at times not having all the resources I trained with, but there are certainly ways to navigate this.”

“The senior team members and management here make contact and questioning easy.”

Outside of work, she’s just as committed to helping others.

“I teach karate at three different locations here in WA – Northam, Gingin and Kalamunda,” Lauren said.

“I’ve done karate for almost 15 years and have black belts in two different styles.”

When Lauren is not working or teaching, she’s enjoying WA life with her partner Shane and their two dogs, Jax and Loki.

“People in WA are very friendly, which makes for a nice atmosphere,” she said.

“There are so many groups and activities to join, there’s something for everyone.”

For paramedics thinking about relocating?

“It can be daunting doing the big move but time flies so quickly, so take a breath, take the leap, and try to enjoy each moment of it all,” Lauren said.

If you know a qualified paramedic ready for a fresh start in WA, send them to careers.stjohnwa.com.au/workinwa to explore opportunities with St John WA.