St John WA celebrates impact of volunteers at 2026 awards
St John WA has celebrated some of its most dedicated volunteers at its 2026 awards ceremony.
These awards recognise the outstanding individuals and teams who go above and beyond in supporting the communities St John serves.
- Sub Centre of the Year: Beverley
- Country Volunteer of the Year: Natasha (Tash) Clements, Northam
- Division of the Year: St John Academy, Northam
- Metro Volunteer of the Year: Sherinne Rakich, Community Transport Services
Beverley is St John WA’s Sub Centre of the Year.
Established in 1934, the sub centre is led by a 10-strong team of volunteers who come from all walks of life – farmers, bus drivers, shop assistants, healthcare workers, teachers and retirees, all connected by a shared passion for their town of 1200 people.
The Beverley team isn’t just committed to their own sub centre though.
Their donations of defibrillators to local facilities and the provision of other high-end pieces of equipment to neighbouring St John locations, all highlight their dedication to improving emergency readiness beyond the limits of their own town.
They have also invested around $50,000 in advanced training equipment allowing volunteers, other local healthcare providers and paramedics to upskill and practice complex emergency scenarios.
Widely recognised for their professionalism, compassion and reliability, the Beverley team consistently receives positive feedback from patients and other services in their community.
Long-time volunteer and sub centre vice-chair, Jenny Raynor, said the recognition had come out of the blue.
“We don’t do it for the rewards,” she said.
“But it’s huge for our sub centre. It really, really is.”
Natasha (Tash) Clements from Northam was named Country Volunteer of the Year.
Tash has spent more than 20 years of exceptional volunteer service to St John WA and has been instrumental in establishing the Northam Academy during its inaugural year.
Beyond the Academy, Tash serves in multiple volunteer roles, consistently leading by example through professionalism and compassion.
She is described as an outstanding role model whose leadership continues to leave a lasting impact on both the organisation and the Northam community.
Tash’s leadership at the Northam Academy also contributed to them achieving St John WA’s Division of the Year award.
A highlight of the Division’s success was the delivery of the Blue Tree Project in partnership with Avon Community Services.
This youth-led mental health initiative promoted awareness, reduced stigma, and encouraged early conversations about wellbeing, while earning the Division’s lead youth member, Lilly Clifford, the Team Member of the Year Award.
Sherinne Rakich is St John WA’s Metro Volunteer of the Year.
Sherinne has dedicated more than six years of outstanding volunteer service to St John WA’s Community Transport Service, contributing over 350 hours annually.
She consistently goes beyond providing transport by building meaningful relationships with vulnerable clients, offering compassion and support while ensuring they can get to vital appointments comfortably, and on time, across the Perth metro area.
“Receiving this award means so very much to me,” Sherinne said.
“I feel incredibly proud, a little overwhelmed and privileged to accept the award for Volunteer of the Year – Metro.”
“The award motivates me to continue giving back to St John, supporting, mentoring and encouraging our volunteers, and striving to make a positive impact wherever I can.”
Congratulations to all finalists and winners.
Volunteer with St John WA today: https://www.stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/volunteer