Women in Ambulance awards for six of St John WA’s finest
St John WA is proud to announce six Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) Women in Ambulance award winners this International Women’s Day.
The CAA Women in Ambulance Awards are designed to recognise and promote the hard work of incredible and inspirational women who work in ambulance services across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
The purpose of the awards is to recognise the women working in the sector and promote them as role models to the rest of the team.
The 2026 winners are –
Marika Austgen
Marika has been with St John WA for 17 years as a paramedic, and has served as an Operations Lead over the past three years, demonstrating unwavering compassion, dedication, and professionalism in every facet of her role.
She is highly regarded for her commitment to supporting staff and fostering a culture where people feel valued, understood, and set up for success.
A key achievement in Marika’s leadership has been her advocacy for members of the part-time workforce, particularly those balancing frontline responsibilities with caring commitments at home.
She led meaningful reforms that introduced fairer, more consistent rostering practices, ensuring these team members were treated equitably and supported to thrive.
Her ability to identify gaps, champion positive change, and deliver practical, people-centred solutions has made a lasting impact on the organisation and the wellbeing of its employees.
Marika’s dedication to service and her genuine passion for supporting others continue to set her apart as an influential and deeply respected leader.
Caitlyn Pavey-Smith
Caitlyn is the Community Response Manager at St John WA, where she leads Australia’s largest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) network and the Community First Responder program.
Since joining St John in 2020, Caitlyn has played a pivotal role in connecting community capability with frontline clinical care – helping ensure people experiencing cardiac arrest receive the fastest possible help, wherever they are in Western Australia.
Working closely with the State Control Centre and clinical leadership, Caitlyn has strengthened integration between community responders, technology and emergency operations, helping build a coordinated statewide response model that saves lives every day.
Caitlyn is also an active Emergency Medical Technician volunteer in Northam, responding to Triple Zero (000) calls and bringing her frontline experience to every aspect of her leadership role.
Beyond operations, she has represented St John WA in advocacy, media and promotional campaigns, including highlighting the personal and mental health benefits of volunteering.
Through her professionalism, optimism and commitment to service, Caitlyn has become a respected leader and role model for both volunteers and colleagues alike.
Her work embodies the St John values of leading with heart, thinking team, making it better and walking the talk – every day, across the State.
Melissa Gardiner
Melissa is a dual-registered paramedic and midwife who has served with St John WA for more than 22 years.
Starting her ambulance career in 2001/2002 while completing nursing and midwifery qualifications and raising a family, she built a rare clinical profile at the intersection of emergency pre-hospital care and maternity services.
Recognising the gap in specialist obstetric support for crews attending births and neonatal presentations, Melissa became a consistent leader in obstetric education—delivering training and capability uplift for paramedics and other clinicians across metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia, and contributing to the development and improvement of clinical guidelines aligned to best evidence practice.
In 2023, Melissa secured approvals and funding to establish the State Obstetric Referral Call service (STORC), a 24/7 midwifery-led telephone support model providing real-time advice to call takers and on-road clinicians for obstetric and neonatal cases.
She now leads the nine-midwife STORC team as Midwifery Manager—an Australian first within a state ambulance service—while continuing to maintain patient-facing shifts.
Her ongoing improvements to maternity and neonatal care include introducing oxytocin to reduce the risk of post-partum haemorrhage and, in 2026, securing a Telethon grant to equip every ambulance and response car with newborn temperature monitoring and warming equipment to better protect vulnerable, including preterm, babies from hypothermia.
In recognition of her service and impact, Melissa was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in 2024.
Caleigh Faulkner
Since joining St John WA in 2019, Caleigh has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in clinical education and paramedic development.
Beginning her journey as an on-road paramedic, to clinical education trainer, she quickly progressed to paramedic training officer and now serves as Clinical Education Manager, overseeing education programs that shape the future of pre-hospital care in Western Australia.
Caleigh’s strategic vision and collaborative approach with both internal and external stakeholders have driven significant improvements and positive cultural change within training pathways.
Most notably, she played a pivotal role in the recent redesign of paramedic intern pathways, ensuring a seamless transition for current students and the successful implementation of the new Paramedic Intern model.
Her ability to balance operational needs with educational excellence has positioned her as a trusted leader and advocate for professional growth within the organisation.
Through her dedication, Caleigh has not only enhanced clinical education standards but also fostered a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and the broader ambulance community.
Jo Read
Jo is a passionate mentor who leads with heart and purpose in everything she does.
She is deeply committed to supporting officers to become confident, capable clinicians while never losing sight of the human side of ambulance care.
Jo’s leadership style is grounded in honesty, calmness, and compassion.
She is known for her ability to provide clear, candid feedback in a way that is empowering rather than confronting.
Officers frequently describe her as someone who challenges them to be better while making them feel genuinely supported and valued.
Across the organisation, Jo is widely respected and deeply liked. She builds strong relationships with ease, and those working on road consistently speak of how enjoyable she is to work with, not only for her clinical knowledge but for her warm, welcoming presence and authentic care for others.
Beginning her career as a First Aid Trainer with First Aid Services, Jo quickly built a reputation for her commitment to education, quality, and community safety.
Jo independently designed and developed a nationally recognised Certificate III program in Non-Emergency Patient Transport, tailored specifically for Ambulance Transport Officers.
She has personally delivered, assessed, and signed off more than 175 officers – both existing staff and new starters – by attending shifts to assess competencies in real-world environments.
Jo’s leadership, initiative, and dedication to empowering others exemplify the spirit of the CAA Women in Ambulance Awards and position her as an inspiring role model within the ambulance sector.
Jane Jennings
Jane is an integral member of the University and Industry Mentor team, working across different shift colours as required to provide paramedic students with real-world experiences on an operational ambulance.
Student feedback regarding Jane has consistently been positive – she takes the time to explain things clearly.
Jane is passionate about patient care as well as providing students with a positive experience, often foregoing rare down-time to complete static skill practice and scenario dissection with the students.
In addition to her commitment on shift, Jane was instrumental in setting up SIMEX club, a peer-driven study group providing an opportunity for paramedics to practise in a safe and encouraging environment.
Each award winner will receive a certificate and a lapel pin.
Congratulations to all nominees and well done to each for the incredible work being done to support communities in WA.