Albany father-daughter duo show giving back is in their blood  

Helping others just comes naturally for Albany father and daughter volunteers Daniel and Annika Moore.  

Not only did Annika follow in her parents’ footsteps to become a nurse but was empowered to join St John WA’s country ambulance service after seeing her dad in action. 

Daniel joined as a volunteer in 2018 after retiring from full-time nursing following a 35-year career spanning a variety of specialties from emergency, intensive care to pediatrics.  

He said joining SJWA was a “natural progression” and a great way to continue to contribute to the community.  

“The rewards are similar to nursing,” Daniel said.  

“You get to participate in someone’s life at their most vulnerable time and help get them through it.  

“Working with SJWA, you can be celebrating new life – I have been to two births in my six years – or helping somebody with immeasurable loss, and everything in between.  

“It’s a privilege to be allowed into people’s lives and make a difference.  

“Each job has its own merits, and every person has their value, you just have to adapt and that is part of the challenge.” 

Annika is nearing five years of service with SJWA which she balances alongside her day job as a wound care nurse.  

She said the sense of community she felt in both roles fueled her passion, and the opportunity to work alongside her dad was a bonus. 

Some shifts were a chance for the pair to catch up and sometimes they were happy to enjoy the silence on the way to callouts.  

“I really appreciate when I get to work with Dad because I know him and his skillset,” Annika said. 

“I know that if we were to go to something challenging, he would be able to get through it. 

“To work with someone with his clinical experience gives me even more confidence on the road as a volunteer crew.” 

Daniel said the family’s nursing experience meant they brought an added sense of professionalism to their volunteering. 

“It keeps me active in retirement I do two or three shifts a week, so it is like going to work, the only difference is I don’t get paid,” he said. 

“Money is not important, but I do appreciate the social contact and the camaraderie and support that SJWA provides.” 

Annika said she was drawn to the excitement of volunteering that comes with not knowing what situations she would be called out to each shift.  

She recalled one of her most rewarding jobs was assisting in the rescue of a group of rock climbers at a rugged location in West Cape Howe.  

The patients were only accessible by a challenging four-wheel drive track with just GPS coordinates to guide emergency services.  

“We attended alongside the State Emergency Service, firies, police, the rescue helicopter – everyone was out there,” Annika said.  

“It just felt like such an adventure getting involved with all the other agencies to help these people – it was a big job and quite rewarding in the end.” 

Annika said the most remote callouts were often the most memorable.  

“I have been to farm accidents and car crashes which have been in the middle of nowhere and you really test yourself,” she said. 

Annika and Daniel said they were able to find a great sense of community within the Albany sub centre and recommended anyone curious about volunteering to give it a go.  

“Come along and see what it is like,” Annika said. 

“I was a little bit uncertain for so long and when I started coming, I saw how manageable the training was and that you didn’t need to know everything immediately. 

“I wish I’d called in sooner.” 

To find out more about volunteering visit St John Change Lives.