When Svetlana joined St John Ambulance, in 2019, she never imagined the impact volunteering would have on her life.

Working in dementia clinical trials and coming from a non-healthcare background, she initially joined St John to gain hands-on medical experience and contribute to the community.

“I wanted to work in healthcare and gain experience treating people,” she said. “At first, that was my main motivation for joining.”

But over the years, volunteering became about much more than experience.

“Every time I attend an event and help a patient, or work alongside an amazing team, I leave feeling fulfilled,” she said. “Volunteering means doing good in the world and choosing to do that is really empowering.”

Now six years into her volunteering journey, Svetlana has stepped into leadership roles, mentored newer volunteers and discovered a passion for building confidence in others who may feel intimidated entering healthcare environments.

“When I first joined, I was really shy and lacked confidence,” she explained. “Being surrounded by experienced healthcare workers was intimidating because I didn’t come from that background.”

Rather than letting that hold her back, Svetlana used her own experience to support others navigating the same fears.

“I think that’s what makes me unique,” she said. “I understand what it feels like to doubt yourself, and now I really enjoy mentoring people and helping them realise they are capable too.”

Two years ago, she stepped into an Operations Officer role within Dandenong Division, something she never imagined herself doing when she first joined.

“That role helped me discover a real passion for mentoring and leadership,” she said. “I didn’t realise volunteering would open those doors for me.”

One of the most defining moments of Svetlana’s volunteering journey came during the 2025 Melbourne Marathon, where she and fellow volunteer Drew, successfully helped resuscitate a runner suffering a cardiac arrest.

Initially hesitant to attend the event because of how intense it could be, Svetlana almost didn’t sign up.

“I was nervous about treating critically unwell patients,” she admitted. “Even after years in the organisation, those situations can still feel overwhelming.”

But with the support of her team and partner Drew, she stepped forward when it mattered most.

“That moment completely changed me,” she said. “It reminded me exactly why I volunteer.”

Svetlana said the experience reinforced the importance of teamwork and the critical role volunteers play in emergency response.

“If Drew wasn’t there, it wouldn’t have been as successful,” she said. “That day really highlighted how important partnerships are in St John.”

Reflecting on the experience now, she says no pay-check could compare to the feeling of helping save someone’s life.

“People used to ask me why I gave up my weekends to volunteer when I already worked full-time,” she said. “Now I can honestly say money can’t buy the feeling of knowing you helped save someone’s life.”

As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week and this year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, Svetlana hopes her story encourages others, especially those who may feel inexperienced or unsure, to simply take the leap.

“You don’t need to come from a healthcare background,” she said. “You just need to find something you’re passionate about.”

For Svetlana, volunteering has become more than just giving back; it has shaped her confidence, her leadership skills and her sense of purpose.

And even when she relocates to the UK later this year, volunteering will remain part of her life, with plans already underway to continue with St John Ambulance overseas.

“Communities are built by people who choose to show up for others,” she said. “If you can find something meaningful to you, volunteering can completely change your life.”