Response to COVID-19 secures Glynne Thomas Volunteer of the Year award for Community Education

• St John WA volunteer Glynne Thomas has been awarded Volunteer of the Year for Community Education in recognition of his efforts to support the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• The award recognises distinguished services by the men and women of St John WA, acknowledging their commitment and dedication to building community resilience through healthcare education.
• Glynne was one of three finalists who were recognised for their outstanding work in community education across St John WA’s volunteer network.

St John WA has awarded Glynne Thomas the Volunteer of the Year for Community Education award in recognition of his contribution to the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awarded the coveted title at the annual St John Experience conference, Mr Thomas was commended for his vital role in supplying emergency health divisions with the required personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep the paramedics protected.

This activity was fundamental in educating the community on the PPE requirements in response to the virus and helped ensure emergency health services remained operational throughout the pandemic.

Since 2016, Mr Thomas has been a committed volunteer for Event Health Services, working as a Logistics officer. St John WA CEO, Michelle Fyfe commended Mr Thomas for his quick-thinking approach and dedication to supporting the charity at a time of uncertainty.

“It is humbling to see volunteers like Mr Thomas stand up and support the community at what was an incredibly uncertain time. His commitment to supporting not only the broader community, but the St John WA team, is why he has been awarded this coveted title.”

Head of Emergency Health Services and Youth Community Engagement, Bruce Rudurum felt Glynne’s commitment was instrumental to supporting St John WA’s COVID-19 response.  

“We’re proud of all our volunteers, but none more than Glenn Thomas. Glenn has worked tirelessly for event health services at St John WA, soldiering on through all sorts of challenges but none more so than the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“During lockdown, Glen was working night and day to supply PPE out to divisions and all our staff that are on duty.”

Also nominated for Volunteer of the Year in Community Education was First Aid Awareness Officer Linzy Lopez and VDO Susan Barrett.