Volunteering spirit burns bright as Williams ambulance service marks 60 years

Apr 24, 2024

St John WA Williams Sub Centre is celebrating 60 years of service to the community in 2024,
Volunteers past and present united for a community celebration to mark the milestone on April 20,
SJWA Williams Sub Centre Chair Phil Stewart thanked all volunteers for their enduring impact on the region.

Volunteers past and present gathered to celebrate 60 years of the St John WA Williams Sub Centre and its enduring impact on the region last week.

Originally established as a sub branch of St John WA Narrogin in 1963, Williams’ ambulance service evolved into a fully independent sub centre a decade later.

Since then, about 130 locals have volunteered their time to serve the community and assist those in need across the region.

Volunteers who have played a pivotal role in running the sub centre over the past six decades came together on April 20, to share memories and celebrate how far it had come.

St John WA Williams Sub Centre founding members John Garlick and Phil Earnshaw.

Founding members John Garlick and Phil Earnshaw joined in the festivities, reflecting on the days of being called out to an incident with just a paper first aid book to guide them.

SJWA Williams Sub Centre Chair Phil Stewart said the journey over the past 60 years had been one of resilience, compassion and service.

“There are countless stories on the challenges overcome, the lives saved, and bonds forged within our close-knit St John family,” he said.

“The stories will be sad, funny and remarkable, but with a common theme of dedication from our wonderful volunteers.

St John WA Williams Sub Centre Volunteer Bruce Rintoul.

“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.”

Mr Stewart thanked all volunteers for the time, energy and expertise they had given to their community over the years.

“Your unwavering commitment has been the cornerstone of the ambulance service, touching countless lives and leaving an indelible mark on our community,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, SJWA Chair Sally Carbon OAM thanked the many volunteers who have passed through the sub centre.

“The biggest thing that I have felt today is the volunteer story,” she said.

“There are about 130 people that have volunteered at the Williams Sub Centre over the 60 years, some were there at the start through to today.

“I’ve heard some beautiful stories of the amount of work that everyone has done over the last sixty years.

“Congratulations for the work you do serving the community.”