Decades of outstanding service to communities across WA celebrated at Investiture

• 57 St John WA team members awarded at Government House Investiture event,

• The traditional ceremony invests members of the St John WA team who have gone over and above their duty to the organisation or community into the Order of St John,

• Laverton volunteer Eleanor Hill was recognised for 35 years of outstanding service.

A long-serving St John WA volunteer regarded as the backbone of her country sub centre has received the top honour at this year’s Investiture ceremony.

Eleanor Hill was promoted to Commander of the Order of St John at the special event at Government House on April 6, after 35 years of service to the Laverton community.

The stalwart was honoured alongside 56 other SJWA team members from across the State for outstanding service to their community and the organisation.

Investiture is a traditional ceremony welcoming or promoting staff and volunteers to the Order of St John, a global royal order established under the authority of Queen Victoria in 1888.

The event was led by the WA Governor, Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, who was installed as Knight Commander of the Order last year.

SJWA Board Chair Sally Carbon OAM told the crowd Ms Hill had taken on a variety of roles since joining SJWA in 1989 and was dedicated to keeping the service running around the clock.

“Her leadership style, including her stability during adversity, makes her an excellent mentor for junior officers and committee members alike, who are known to describe her as ‘their rock’,” Ms Carbon said.

“Her community holds Eleanor in high regard for her compassion, commitment, and dedication crediting her as the linchpin of their ambulance service.”

Six SJWA team members were admitted or promoted to Officers of the Order, including southwest volunteer of 45 years, Ian Digweed.

Mr Digweed was recognised for fostering strong relationships and collaboration with other emergency services across the region.

He is a respected member of the team and valued for his high-level clinical skills, caring demeanour, and mentorship to new volunteers.

Thirty-four people were invested as Members of the Order and 16 received a Commandery Commendation.

A membership to the Order of St John is a recognised honour under the Australian Honours System and presents itself as an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the extraordinary members of the St John WA community, past, present and future.

There are more than 600 St John Order Members in WA.

Postulants are nominated by their peers and are considered by a committee, with each nominee receiving royal assent from his Majesty King Charles III.

Members who are Officers and above are voting members so take an active role in shaping the future of St John WA.