When Helen first joined St John Ambulance Victoria, she wanted to help her community.

Three decades later, that motivation remains unchanged.

A registered nurse and member of the Dr Brentnall Division, Helen recently celebrated an incredible milestone, receiving her 30 Years of Service Award.

Over those years, she has supported countless patients, mentored emerging volunteers and witnessed firsthand the profound impact volunteering can have on both those receiving care and those providing it.

For Helen, it's often the unexpected moments that stay with her.

"You always get surprised by people's emotions," she reflects. "The unexpected hug from the rough bikie fella is always good."

Then there are the moments when members of the public stop to share what they have witnessed.

"I watched you resuscitate that man. It was amazing."

While these experiences are memorable, Helen says a rewarding shift isn't necessarily defined by a major medical incident.

"A good shift with St John is spending time with the volunteers, making sure they're doing their best in that volunteering moment," she says.

Supporting the Next Generation

As one of the more experienced members of the organisation, Helen finds great fulfilment in helping younger volunteers develop their skills and confidence.

Whether supporting volunteers through a challenging patient interaction or guiding them through clinical decision-making, she sees every shift as an opportunity to learn and grow together.

"Helping our younger members work through a situation by supporting them so that they learn, provide the care that's expected and have a great outcome."

It's this culture of mentorship and shared learning that Helen believes makes volunteering with St John so unique.

People From Every Walk of Life

Ask Helen what she enjoys most about St John, and her answer is immediate.

"The best part of being in St John are the people."

From healthcare professionals and teachers to tradespeople, students and retirees, St John volunteers come from all walks of life, united by a shared commitment to helping others.

"There are people from every walk of life, from our plasterers to our doctors to our teachers," Helen says.

Many volunteers provide first aid at community events, while others support operations through logistics, communications, vehicle driving, equipment management, administration and mentoring. Together, they create the strong support network that enables St John volunteers to care for Victorians when and where they are needed.

More Than Giving Back

For Helen, volunteering isn't just about helping the community.

"Volunteering changes everybody," she says.

The experiences gained through volunteering help people develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills and lifelong friendships. Each interaction provides an opportunity to learn, reflect and grow.

While volunteers join St John to make a difference in their community, many discover that the experience has a lasting impact on them personally as well.

As Helen explains, over time you come to realise that you are not only helping patients and event patrons. You are also supporting and inspiring your fellow volunteers.

Sometimes, the most meaningful feedback comes from hearing how your guidance helped another volunteer care for someone in need.

A Place for Healthcare Professionals and Community-Minded Volunteers Alike

St John Ambulance Victoria is proud to have a diverse volunteer workforce, including nurses, doctors, paramedics, allied health professionals and students, who bring their skills and experience to support the community. Their expertise sits alongside volunteers from a wide variety of professions and backgrounds, creating a unique environment where everyone has something valuable to contribute.

For healthcare practitioners, volunteering can be an opportunity to apply and share clinical skills in a different setting, mentor emerging first aiders and connect with like-minded people who are passionate about community wellbeing.

For others, it's a chance to learn new skills, build confidence and be part of something bigger than themselves.

After 30 years of service, Helen's message is simple: when people come together with a shared purpose, extraordinary things can happen.

Whether it's caring for a patient, supporting a teammate or simply being there when someone needs help most, every volunteer has the opportunity to make a difference.

And sometimes, that difference lasts a lifetime.

Watch Helen's interview below: