Three St John WA finalists in 2026 Women in Leadership Scholarship

Three St John WA team members have been announced as finalists in the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) 2026 Women in Leadership Scholarship program.  

Established through the CAA Women in Leadership Forum, the Scholarship aims to support and empower women across ambulance services by encouraging leadership development, mentoring, and professional growth.

This year’s finalists were selected from an exceptional field of applicants, with a record-breaking 151 applications.

The St John finalists are:

Leana Walter, Manager – Complex Care

Leana demonstrates innovative, trauma-informed leadership in supporting High Intensity Users and reducing avoidable ambulance dispatches. She has contributed to sparing crews more than 238 dispatches over 12 months while improving patient safety, continuity of care and outcomes.

Shaye Wesley, Operations Lead – Urban & Coastal

Shaye is an experienced clinician who mentors emerging paramedics, advocates for leadership development, and seeks to inspire and represent women of colour in healthcare. Her career progression into operational leadership aligns strongly with the Scholarship’s focus on developing future ambulance sector leaders.

Melissa Gardiner, Ambulance Paramedic and Midwifery Manager

Melissa has pioneered leadership in integrating emergency paramedicine and midwifery, strengthening maternity and neonatal care across Western Australia. As founder and manager of State Obstetrics Referral Call (STORC), she has transformed specialist support for clinicians while driving innovations that improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.

Congratulations and good luck Leana, Shaye and Mel.

Winners will be announced on 19 November 2026 at the CAA Women in Leadership Symposium in Melbourne.

Learn more about the Scholarship here, and watch the announcement video.