Volunteering a life passion for Pinjarra legend Ian Digweed  

Ian Digweed’s volunteering journey with St John WA began when he was just 11 years old.  

Eager to become like the heroes he looked up to behind the lights and sirens, he joined as a young cadet in 1977.  

Just a few years later, young Ian witnessed a child get hit by a car, it’s a scene that would stay with him to this day.  

Ian rushed to their side and used the first aid skills he had learned as a cadet to keep them safe and still until the ambulance arrived.     

“That cemented my sense of purpose within the journey of St John to continue volunteering and making a difference,” he said.   

From a cadet, Ian worked his way up to an Emergency Ambulance Technician and has since volunteered at sub centres across the Southwest and Peel regions. 

After a remarkable 47 years with SJWA, Ian continues to wear his greens with great pride and goes above and beyond in his service to the community.

“Every time I put on my uniform, I think of the history of St John WA and the friends I have gained over the years,” Ian said.  

“It’s a great sense of responsibility and a real privilege to serve your local community.” 

The 58-year-old is currently a dedicated member of the St John WA Pinjarra Sub Centre and a respected part of the team.

Ian has also volunteered for 37 years with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, is a Justice of the Peace and helps out at the Collie Motorplex.   

His experience as a volunteer ambulance officer inspired him to grow his professional skills and become a qualified paramedic in the resources and construction industries.  

Being a part of SJWA for more than four decades means Ian has seen many big changes in the level of clinical care volunteer ambulance officers can provide to their patients.   

One of the biggest changes was the introduction of defibrillators onboard ambulances, a device he said had been truly life-saving.   

“Being the old dog and being around it, it has really been a privilege to be a part of that pioneering journey,” Ian said.   

“When people are in dire straits and they see you coming in this uniform, it gives them a sense of hope and a sense of relief that the cavalry has arrived.”   

For Ian, volunteering is a lifelong passion he helps nurture in others as a trusted mentor for new SJWA recruits.

He is highly regarded among his team for his clinical skills and commitment to fostering a culture of respect and camaraderie at his sub centre.   

In recognition of this positive impact, he was made an Officer of the Order of St John this year. 

“You’ve got to go with your dreams, you’ve got to go with your heart, but also, you want a sense of purpose,” Ian said.  

“It has been fantastic to see people develop their abilities and confidence.   

“Furthermore, it’s wonderful to see people who are actually able to develop and go further to turn it into a career.”   

A recent survey released for National Volunteer Week found nine in 10 Western Australians think favourably about people who volunteer, click here to learn more.   

More than 5000 volunteers contribute their time across a range of roles with SJWA from on-road emergency ambulance response in country WA, to logistics, volunteer support, community transport and Event Health Services.   

To become a volunteer visit, https://stjohnwa.com.au/changelives.