New look for historic St John WA Museum

St John WA has celebrated the opening of its museum at a new location in Belmont.

The museum is now in the Coolamon Centre at 209 Great Eastern Highway.

To celebrate the new-look museum, Members of the Order of St John and Friends were invited to afternoon tea at the adjacent café, Sirens – which is also a new addition to the State Office.

Speaking at the opening event, St John WA Board Chair Sally Carbon said history was not just a record of what has been, it is a guide for how we move forward.

“This exhibition space is more than a collection of artefacts; it is a living record of the dedication, courage, and innovation that have shaped St John WA,” she said.

“It honours the volunteers, paramedics, first responders, and community members who have worked to make this organisation what it is today.

“It also reminds us that healing is not just about medical care—it is about connection, understanding, and shared responsibility.”

The museum uses videos and exhibits to graphically illustrate the history of the original Order from the time of the crusades through to the present day.

Specific to WA, the museum provides examples of the organisation’s insignia, first aid trophies, first aid equipment and uniforms.

The exhibits been arranged in five themes:

• The Evolution of Ambulances shows how our vehicles have transformed from simple horse-drawn carts to today’s high-tech emergency vehicles.

• In Communication and coordination, it’s clear that emergency response has always relied on fast, clear communication from handwritten logbooks and radio codes to modern digital systems.

• Training and skills development has been central to St John WA since inception, and the proud tradition of competition through the years through to our new Academy launched just this school term is evidence.

• Uniforms and Identity shows the St John uniforms through the decades, from traditional designs to modern operational gear which have symbolised dedication and service over the decades.

• Care and courage shows how medical intervention and emergency response has evolved from our first home-made first aid kits to bandages, splints and and Resusi Anni dolls.

This museum exists thanks to the commitment and generosity of the St John WA family.

The organisation is especially grateful to volunteers and donors, including the Fellowship of St John, and the many team members who have both preserved history and helped create it.

Admission to the museum is free.

A historical timeline of St John WA can be found HERE.