St John WA’s Cervantes team celebrates new centre with official opening
St John WA’s Cervantes sub centre held its official opening on March 24.
The local team are delighted with the new building, which has been years in the making.
With the former facility becoming increasingly cramped as the volunteer base grew, it was determined that a new premises would better support operational needs, accommodate the growing volunteer cohort, and enhance the delivery of first aid training.
The new design was based off the St John sub centre standard floor plan and includes:
- Four bay garage with drive through function.
- Large training room for first aid and VAO training.
- A debrief space and two quiet rooms to provide respite and a quiet area for volunteers to manage fatigue and rest between callouts.
- Office area and foyer with reception counter.
- Catering kitchen with large servery window.
- Volunteer BBQ area for social gatherings to create a friendly culture and encourage volunteer retention.
The build was largely funded through sub centre funds and community support, with significant contributions coming from neighbouring sub centres.
Local community groups and individuals also donated a considerable sum to help with the build.
Key drivers behind the project were Adam McKay (Chairperson), Sue Ivey, Peter and Rhonda Pendlebury, Maureen Milliken, and Ian Rennie.
Attending the official opening was Mid West MLC Shane Love, Shire of Dandaragan President Tony O’Gorman, St John WA Group CEO Kevin Brown, Chief Emergency Officer Wil White, as well as life members, community paramedics and volunteers, and community representatives.
Following a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a rundown of the decade-long project by “driving force” Ian Rennie included a thank you to local volunteers for their dedication and care for their community.
This gratitude was echoed by Kevin Brown, who highlighted the passionate individuals who helped keep Cervantes and surrounds safe.
“This is a phenomenal project,” he said.
“it’s been many years in the making and it’s truly impressive.”
The opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a plaque unveiling before attendees enjoyed lunch in the new building.
Donors to Cervantes new building
| Name | Donation |
| Jurien Bay Sub Centre | $50,000 |
| Wongan Hills Sub Centre | $50,000 |
| Kunnunoppin Sub Centre | $20,000 |
| Bullsbrook Sub Centre | $10,000 |
| Morganup Sub Centre | $10,000 |
| Lancelin Sub Centre | $10,000 |
| D & N Thompson (IORL PTY LTD) | $10,000 |
| Stoneridge Foundation – Vinci Family | $10,000 |
| Andrew Frost | $5,000 |
| GM Shields | $5,000 |
| P&L Milliken | $2,000 |
| Max Preitz | $2,000 |
| Leah Stupar | $1,020 |
| Peter Malcolm Boyen | $1,000 |
| Chipper & Co | $1,000 |
| Cervantes Golf Club | $500 |
| Cervantes Craft Circle | $500 |
| Trevor Cook | $500 |
| Ian Rennie | $500 |
| Elke Dausch | $500 |
| Gwennyth Latham | $500 |
| Cervantes Community Mens Shed | $500 |
| RK & CM Hayman | $500 |
| Gazeley R | $300 |
| R & D Sudholz | $300 |
| Dorothy Boys | $250 |
| T Cox | $200 |
| Thompson Fisheries | $200 |
| Dorothy Boys | $200 |
| Judy Peacock | $200 |
| McGillivray | $200 |
| Ron & Lesley Larkman | $150 |
| R Trower | $100 |
| Panton | $100 |
| N Larkman | $100 |
| Susanne Boyd | $100 |
| Angela Common | $100 |
| Ron & Di | $100 |
| Erica Ford | $50 |
| Paucher Pty Ltd | $50 |
| Total | $193,720 |