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Here to Help: South Sudanese Wrestling
In Bennett Springs, a ring is being painted on a local soccer pitch. Plastic chairs are lined up. There’s a DJ booth. Loor dancers and drummers compete with the speakers and the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Cultural and Recreational Centre, on whose grass we stand, is prepared for an after-party. But first, wrestling. Today, Perth’s Western Empire will take…
Read MoreHere to Help: Medieval Combat
“It’s not a matter of if you get hurt. It’s when, and how much.” In the South West town of Balingup, Alpin Grant is King. He and his wife, Queen Laura, represent the monarchy at the world-famous Balingup Medieval Carnivale. The event runs for one weekend each year, but a King’s responsibilities — training, researching, creating —…
Read MoreHere to Help: Downhill Mountain Biking
Just outside Margaret River, in Bramley National Park, are the Wooditjup Trails. Created by locals, they are a challenge for experienced downhill riders and a training ground for the next generation. Meg, 15, and Sage, 13, know them back to front. Trails like Golden Carrot, Cut Cork, High Horse, and Cash and Karri have been…
Read MoreHere to Help: Lawnmower Racing
Lawnmowers usually try for chequerboard-straight strips. These ones follow the racing line. Starting at 17cc, the vehicles of The Western Australian Mower Racing Association (WAMRA) top out at 450cc. Tuned for the track, the smaller capacity engines are quick, and the bigger ones can hit 110kph. No blades and, sometimes, no brakes. The only thing…
Read MoreSome thoughts on World First Aid Day, because candle wax on frostbite just isn’t the vibe anymore
If you are still of the belief that you can suck the venom out from a snake bite, or that butter will soothe a burn, read on. Please. We’re begging you. It’s been a long time since mouldy bread was suggested as infection prevention and thankfully, the days of bloodletting and trepanning are long gone.…
Read MoreChampioning mental health awareness for R U OK? Day
St John WA partnered with Bruce Rock Engineering this year for R U OK? Day with the aim of helping to build a healthy and connected community. A series of talks focussed on mental health took place around the State, with SJWA speakers running sessions in Forrestfield and Bruce Rock. “Mental health matters just as…
Read MoreMullewa Sub Centre celebrates 80 years of service to the community
The Mid West town of Mullewa is known for its wildflowers and heritage buildings. It also has its very own St John WA sub centre and this year marks 80 years of service to the local community and surrounding areas. An article in the Geraldton Guardian and Express from June 13, 1945 detailed the founding…
Read MoreFinalist nod for St John WA Health and Safety Representative
St John WA’s Michael Eppen has been named a finalist in the 2025 Worksafe Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards for Health and Safety Representative (HSR) of the Year. Michael is the Health and Safety Representative for St John WA’s busy Fleet and Radio Team. His proactive approach has directly contributed to creating a safe…
Read MoreSt John WA supports AdventureSmart’s Safety September
St John WA is proud to support AdventureSmart WA’s Safety September campaign – a united push to keep Western Australians safer when enjoying the great outdoors. From rugged peaks to remote beaches, the campaign reminds all adventurers that being prepared can be lifesaving. AdventureSmart WA is a collaboration across state government, emergency services, and community Department…
Read MoreMeet the Pococks: Three generations giving back with determination
The Pocock family have a long history of volunteering with emergency services. And three generations of Pocock men have each found their volunteering niche at St John WA. John, 73, works with Community Transport Services (CTS), Dave, 48, in Country Ambulance and Rhys, 18, with Event Health Services (EHS). It was Dave who convinced son,…
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