‘Fabric of Western Australia’: Recognising service to community takes a ‘family in green’

• More than 350 St John WA team members awarded across two Recognition ceremonies held in May and October.
• SJWA welcomed 125 graduating paramedics, 42 national medal recipients, 10 clasp recipients and 179 10–40-year service medal awardees.
• Lindsay Scott, with 47 years of service at St John WA, shared his tips on longevity as a paramedic.

More than 180 St John WA operational team members have been acknowledged for their service to the Western Australian community in a Recognition Awards ceremony held on Wednesday.

The ceremony acknowledges the academic and professional achievements of operational team members, including those who have served more than 25 years spanning country posts from Esperance to Broome and from Patient Transport Services to Critical Care Paramedics.

The May 15 event will be the first of two ceremonies held this year, with 356 award recipients across both ceremonies.

The 2024 Recognition Awards included the following categories:

• Paramedic graduates
• 10-40 Year Service Award recipients
• National Medals to operational staff
• First, Second and Third Clasp to National Medals

Overall, 52 will be awarded National Medals and Clasps, 179 paid length of service awards and 125 Ambulance Officers graduated to Paramedic.

St John WA Board chairperson Sally Carbon opened the May event by acknowledging St John’s remarkable team members who went above and beyond to serve their community.

“Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, as part of that organisational and worldwide purpose we all know,” Ms Carbon said. 

“Congratulations on your many achievements.

“It is no exaggeration to say St John is part of the fabric of Western Australia.

“You are there for our community in our darkest moments, and this combined effort makes St John an organisation you can take pride in belonging to.

“It has left an indelible mark on the state we call home.”

Lindsay Scott, an experienced paramedic with 47 years of service at St John WA, shared his tips on longevity as a paramedic, drawing from his experience.

St John WA Group CEO Kevin Brown closed the ceremony by also acknowledging those who supported St John team members to allow them to continue to give to the community.

“Thank you for showing up every day – be it in a St John uniform or simply being a supportive hand – ready to help others,” he said.

“Many reflect that the best part of St John is joining a ‘family in greens’. I too can attest to that since being afforded the very great privilege of joining St John last year.

“Even witnessing today’s ceremony, just how many of you have dedicated decades to serving the community is humbling.

“To medal and award recipients, congratulations and to the new graduates, welcome.”