St John is able to offer a unique range of opportunities/experiences to its volunteers as it recognises, rewards, develops and nurtures the growth of everyone.

• Access to a wide variety of roles through which to provide a service to the community
• Access to a year-round training/development program tailored to suit every individual’s abilities, whether they’re a first aid beginner or an experienced healthcare professional
• Access to internal training programs designed to develop leadership and specialist skills
• The opportunity to be part of over 4,500 different community, cultural, sporting and music events annually
• The opportunity to learn from some highly experienced and knowledgeable experts in their field who also choose to spend their time volunteering for St John
• The opportunity to become a part of the State’s response to emergencies including floods and bushfires

This is why so many of our volunteers stay with us for decades!

In return for our volunteer’s time, dedication and commitment, we provide them with:

• Training and Development
  • A structured induction and training program that ensures that members feel supported, safe and secure when volunteering with St John
  • Access to nationally recognised First Aid qualifications and annual re-accreditation programs to help you maintain your skills
  • Access to specialist leadership and developmental programs that extend personal and professional qualifications and competencies
  • The opportunity to take on specialist roles within the organisation
  • The ability to register for GoodSAM and respond to cardiac arrests whilst off duty through Triple Zero (000) despatchers
• Empowerment
  • Our Safe Place – we are committed to providing a Safe Place for our community. Our Safe Place Declaration:
  • Make the decision you think is right
  • Start something that needs to be started
  • Ask for help whenever you need it
  • Do something that inspires other
  • Simplify the complex
  • Thank and acknowledge others efforts
• Support and Supervision
  • Placement within a Division that will assist volunteers in their role and facilitate their ongoing development
  • Support at major events from experienced and qualified members
  • Protection under St John insurance policies whilst volunteering for St John (some Healthcare Professionals may also need to hold personal medical indemnity insurance)
  • Access to a 24-hour Peer Support Program
  • Pastoral Care
• Benefits
  • Access to discounted First Aid Kits
  • Access to a Memberlink membership after 6-months of efficient service for a range of discounts
  • Annual Volunteer Awards – National recognition which acknowledge our volunteers dedication in first aid delivery and training

St John welcomes all individuals who are passionate about helping those in the community who are in sickness, distress, suffering or danger.

To engage as a First Responder, you will need to be at least 18 years old. Some divisions also run a youth program, for those aged between 12-18. We encourage all youth members to transition into our adult program – if you are interested in our youth program, please apply here.

Due to the nature of our work, we require all adult volunteers to undertake and return a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Working with Children Check (WWCC) – At St John, we are committed to provide Safe Place for our people and expect our employees and volunteers to reflect this commitment.

There is no requirement to have any qualifications or skills, as a comprehensive training program is delivered to all members. Once membership has been finalized, new members will initially engage in a 6-month training program with ongoing mentorship and skill reinforcement, along with advanced training opportunities.

Volunteers do however, engage in a diversity of duties and may be involved in mentally and physically demanding activities. Members will be required to deliver at least 5 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and should be able to carry at least 20kg of equipment across a reasonable distance. If required, you will be able to discuss this with the St John team to determine your suitability.

The time commitment varies across Divisions. There are minimum attendance requirements for regular Divisional meetings and an expectation to commit to at last 60-hours per annum for various duties.

Due to the costs involved for us as an organization, for each new inducted member, we kindly ask for a commitment of at least 1-year of efficiency. Efficiency is awarded to members who complete their Training and Development modules which is delivered during Divisional meetings, as well as achieving at least 60 volunteering hours across a calendar year.

Absolutely!

Most meetings, training courses and duties are conducted on weeknights and/or weekends. You will have 24/7 access to available events and training sessions, and you can often submit your expression of interest for various events and sessions in advance.

During your orientation as a St John member, you will be able to discuss with the recruitment team whether your local Divisions are suitable for your current schedule. If your availability clashes, the team will offer you advice and support.

Kindly note, there are minimum yearly requirements for all members. Please refer to the FAQ: What are the Commitments?.

St John will offer training opportunities to their members and all equipment is provided as required. Uniforms will also be ordered once membership has been finalised.