International Women’s Day honours for six St John women

• Six St John WA women were honored as part of International Women’s Day celebrations for 2023,
• The team who work in diverse roles across the organisation were recognised by the Council of Ambulance Authorities,
• The day was also marked with reflections from incoming Board Member, Wonnarua woman and Warrikal Chief Executive Officer Amanda Healy.

St John WA marked 2023 International Women’s Day with a keynote address from incoming Board Member, Wonnarua woman and Warrikal Chief Executive Officer Amanda Healy who reflected on her remarkable career at an event attended by members of the St John team from across the business.

 Shu Yin Chia, Stella Clack, Rose Gibbons, Aideen Chandler, and Debbie Strachan. (not pictured: Natasha Clements.)

The event also provided an opportunity for the recognition of six St John women who were recognised by the Council of Ambulance Authorities for their exceptional service.

The Women in Ambulance Honours which recognise women from across Australia, NZ and PNG ambulance services for their work, career progression and as role models to the rest of the workforce. 

International Women’s Day is held annually, and recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally. It also offers an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the women in our lives, workplaces, and communities; and to reflect on ways to accelerate women’s equality.

Congratulations to all St John WA’s Honour Recipients and thank you for everything you do.

Aideen Chandler – Ambulance Paramedic, Metropolitan Operations

Aideen was motivated to apply for the ambulance service after a rewarding career in the veterinary industry and the arrival of her two children.

She considers ambulance work to be dynamic, demanding, exciting and ever challenging and changing.  

Aideen has served with St John for 10 years.

Debbie Strachan – Response Time Manager, State Operations Centre

Debbie started her career with St John WA as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) in 2005.

Since then, she has held various positions; EMD Trainer, Ambulance Network Coordinator (ANC), Country and Metro Response Time Manager (RTM), Duty Manager (DM) and has been in her current role of Response Time Manager (RTM) since 2011.

Debbie is passionate about change management, specifically the developmental and transitional change management within the State Operations Centre (SOC).

Natasha Clements – Volunteer Ambulance Officer, Northam

Natasha is an Emergency Medical Technician, Volunteer Development Officer and is involved in the onboarding of all new volunteers to Northam Depot. 

She enjoys helping people to get the best experience out of their volunteer role and ensuring they have the skills to provide the best care to their community.

Above all else, Natasha considers it a privilege to assist her community and provide quality health care to people living in regional Western Australia.

Shu Yin Chia – Event Operations Manager, Event Health Services

Shu’s journey began as a volunteer with Event Health Services (EHS) in 2016.

In 2019 Shu moved to the EHS Support Services team as a Support Services Officer and then the Acting Divisional Team Leader where she implemented systems and procedures to improve overall volunteers’ experience.  

In her spare time, Shu volunteers as an Event Ambulance Officer and as a Volunteer Development Officer.

Stella Clack – Business Support Partner/EA, Administration

Stella is the Executive Assistant and strategic business support partner to the Chief Brand and Reputation Officer.

Since joining St John, Stella has supported the growing Primary Health and Urgent Care business, the leadership of the IT stream, the operational ambulance senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Brand and Reputation Officer.

Rose Gibbons – 2IC, St John Health Cannington

Rose started within a reception role in St John Health Cannington in 2021 and within six months was grateful to be given the opportunity to step up to a 2IC position.

She is very proud to be part of St John and truly believes in the organizations core values which she applies to her daily life.

Recently given the opportunity to act in the role of Practice Manager for the Cannington Clinic, Rose was grateful to work alongside an amazing team.