When Coby joined St John Ambulance Victoria at just 13 years old, she was driven by a simple ambition: to pursue a future in healthcare while giving back to her local community. Ten years later, that decision has become much more than a stepping stone. It has evolved into a decade of service, leadership, learning and community impact.

Now the Adult Divisional Manager at Sunbury Division and recently recognised with a 10 Years of Service Award, Coby's story highlights the powerful role St John volunteers play across Victoria, and the lasting difference volunteering can make, both for individuals and the communities they serve.

Finding Purpose Through Service

For many people, joining St John is about learning first aid skills. For Coby, it was also about finding a meaningful way to contribute.

As a teenager interested in becoming a paramedic or nurse, St John provided an opportunity to explore healthcare while making a real difference locally.

"I wanted to become a paramedic or nurse in the healthcare system, and I decided to join St John to fulfil that and to try and give back to my local community," she says.

That sense of service sits at the heart of St John Ambulance Victoria's mission to build safer and more resilient communities through first aid, healthcare and volunteer support. Every event covered, every patient assisted and every community member helped contributes to that vision.

Building Skills and Confidence

Volunteers are often the reassuring presence people see at community events, sporting matches and local gatherings. While some situations can be challenging, Coby says St John's comprehensive training and strong team culture ensure volunteers are prepared to respond when needed.

"The training we receive during our time in St John really equips us for any presentation that we see in the community," she says. "We always have great hands to help out as well."

Through volunteering, members gain practical first aid and patient care skills, but they also develop confidence, resilience and leadership capabilities that benefit them throughout their lives and careers.

For Coby, some of the biggest lessons have been perseverance, diligence and learning from people with different experiences and backgrounds.

"Just enjoying being around people of all ages has taught me a lot," she says.

Creating a Community Where Everyone Belongs

One of the aspects of volunteering that Coby is most proud of is helping create an environment where people feel safe, supported and included.

As a leader within Sunbury Division, she believes that fostering a welcoming culture is essential to helping volunteers grow and achieve their potential.

"Members at my local division have always said that they feel safe and they feel included," she says. "A big part of leadership is providing a safe and inclusive environment for people to grow and be the volunteer they want to be."

This reflects the values that underpin St John; treating people with respect, supporting one another and empowering individuals to make a meaningful contribution.

Breaking the Volunteer Stereotype

Coby is also passionate about encouraging more young people to consider volunteering.

"There is a perception that St John is filled with older people," she says. "Being a young person myself, I want to encourage young people to join and give their time."

Her own experience demonstrates that age is no barrier to making an impact. St John brings together people from all walks of life and generations, creating opportunities for mentorship, friendship and personal growth.

Young volunteers gain valuable life skills, develop confidence and leadership experience, and connect with role models who help shape their future aspirations. At the same time, they contribute fresh perspectives, energy and enthusiasm to their local communities.

Supporting the Communities We Call Home

Ask Coby what she enjoys most about volunteering and the answer comes quickly: supporting local community events.

Whether assisting at public events, working alongside local organisations or connecting with residents, she values the opportunity to give back to the people and places that mean the most to her.

"We're giving back to the people that we live around," she says. "You can see familiar faces down the street and remember seeing them at an event. I think it's really important to be that face for your community."

Across Victoria, thousands of St John volunteers dedicate their time to helping keep communities safe. Their contribution enables events to run smoothly, provides reassurance to attendees and helps ensure medical assistance is available when it's needed most.

Why Join St John?

After ten years of volunteering, Coby's message to anyone considering joining is simple.

"Do it. You won't regret it. You'll enjoy it and have a great time. There are so many opportunities that you can get involved in."

Her journey is a reminder that volunteering with St John is about much more than first aid. It's about belonging to a community, developing lifelong skills, supporting others and helping build a safer Victoria.

For those looking to make a difference, learn something new and become part of something bigger than themselves, joining St John could be the start of an unforgettable journey, just as it was for Coby ten years ago.

Watch Coby's interview below: