St John Communications Officer reaches 1-year milestone

Trent Pope-Strathern has always known where he wanted to be in his career. Now he’s reached a one-year milestone in the State Operations Centre (SOC) and has begun mentoring his peers.

Trent joined St John during the first wave of COVID-19 in the First Aid department. As the pandemic changed, so did his role, and he quickly moved around to where he was needed the most.  

Some days Trent greeted patients at the doors of Cannington Urgent Care, and other days he was on the phone calling patients about their prescriptions. 

After three months of completing odd jobs at St John Health, he moved back to First Aid as an Acting Team Leader. Trent enjoyed being a leader and working with others, but he still had his eye on becoming a Communications Officer and mentoring others. 

“I was really excited when I applied for the SOC program because I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be,” he said. 

Trent was ecstatic to start his new role as a Communications Officer in the State Operations Centre. 

“I always look for the positive in every day, it makes me very happy and proud to make a difference in someone’s life,” he said. 

After one year in the role, Trent says it’s the best job he’s ever had, and he’s excited to move into mentoring others. 

“I had been asking for months to be a mentor, but you had to hit one year before starting.”

“I’ve only been mentoring for a few weeks, and it’s so rewarding to see others thrive and see their confidence build in their role,” he said. 

State Operations Centre Duty Manager John Roig says Trent was an asset, and it was clear he made a positive impact on the people around him. 

“Trent is a very popular and energetic team member, and his happy and positive demeanour is infectious and helps lift the mood in SOC,” John said. 

“He’s a natural trainer and has recently become a mentor to help our new Communications Officers develop their skills and meet the requirements of the role. 

“Trent is also our resident foodie and brings in a feast for all to enjoy on night shifts. 

“I often get his advice on where the best burgers are in Perth, and he hasn’t steered me wrong yet.”