St John WA teams unite for international gravel championships

St John WA teams are no strangers to providing medical care at world-class events. 

But what if 144kms of gravel and forest terrain and close to 1000 cyclists are thrown into the mix? 

Held outside Europe for the very first time, the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships hit the fields and forests of Nannup in Western Australia’s South West on October 10-11. 

More than two years of planning went into St John WA’s involvement in the event that brought together elite and amateur cyclists from around the world. 

With competitors navigating steep climbs, unsealed roads and long distances, the race requires a unique level of first aid and emergency coverage. 

When the ambitious idea to support the championships was first proposed by Nannup volunteers Jenny Forbes and Warren Smith, St John WA’s Event Health Services (EHS) jumped at the opportunity to bring emergency management, clinical teams and local ambulance volunteers together. 

Not only would St John need to provide immediate support for riders, crew and spectators, significant planning was also required to ensure the town of Nannup and surrounding areas continued to have access to ambulance services across the busy weekend. 

“That conversation began over coffee in Busselton on a cold, rainy day,” Emma Kake, St John WA EHS Client Manager, said.  

“Fast forward to standing at the finish line in Nannup, and it was incredible to see that early idea become a reality.”  

About 30 St John WA team members from Perth, Waroona, Nannup, Northcliffe, Dunsborough, Brunswick Junction, Busselton, Manjimup and Pemberton were on hand each day of the championships. 

“A real highlight was seeing rural and metro crews come together as one team,” Emma said.  

“Crews who had travelled significant distances stayed at the local Nannup Sub Centre, sharing meals, cooking duties and stories around the fire at night.  

“That sense of camaraderie was a wonderful reflection of the people behind the operation.” 

One of the standout clinical moments came when St John WA’s very own Dr Richard Tobin responded immediately to a distressed rider on course.  

With the scene broadcast on sporting channels around the world, Dr Tobin provided immediate care before handing over to the local St John Nannup ambulance crew, who were travelling within the race convoy. 

“It was a scenario the team had specifically planned for as part of the event’s risk assessment and seeing that planning translate into a seamless response was incredibly rewarding,” Emma said.  

Directors of the event described St John WA’s support as “exceptional”. 

St John worked closely with WA Country Health Service, Nannup Hospital and surrounding services to ensure the broader health system was prepared and supported throughout the highly successful event. 

Learn more about St John WA’s Event Health Services.