The St John Ambulance Service Medal is a tradition dating back more than 140 years with volunteers receiving an award for their years of dedication and service.
Three Central Coast volunteers were presented with Service Medals by Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley at the recent 2024 Annual Awards ceremony.
Kenneth Schneider of Umina Beach received the Service Medal for his remarkable 70 years of service.
“As a 12-year-old boy when I first joined St John Ambulance awards were far away in my mind,” he said.
“Over the years St John has given me a number of awards for various commitments and it gives me a really nice feeling that the time spent in St John is being acknowledged by my peers.
“I think that the more volunteers we have in a community (the more) it helps bind the community together.
“As a volunteer I have met so many like-minded people and it gives you a feeling that together we are helping the community units as one big family trying to look after those less fortunate than us or requiring assistance in many ways.”
Geoffrey Arigho of Bateau Bay received a Service Medal for his 45 years of service.
“I feel volunteering is important as you can give something back to the community to try and make it a better place,” he said.
“I have learned many skills during my 45 years and kept up-to-date with changes in first aid over those years which has enabled me to help others for a better outcome for their injuries, to make them more comfortable and to give them that feeling that everything is going to be all right.
“It is good to connect with the local community in which you live and help with small and large events in your local area and people feel safe that we are there if something should happen to them.
“The locals know that we are part of their community and ready to serve when we are needed.
“It is an honour to be recognised for your achievements and appreciated for what you do – I thank the community for allowing me to serve you.”
Kerry Rowleson of Copacabana received the Service Medal for 15 years with St John.
“I grew up in a community where we always helped each other out so I was volunteering at a very early age,” she said.
“Volunteers enhance the community they live in and I believe in giving back to the community.
“One of the most rewarding experiences has been volunteering for deployments when we have natural disasters in NSW.
“I attend fires and floods and I love nothing more than helping out when the community needs help.
“I feel humbled by this recognition for my volunteering.
“I’ve never volunteered to get recognition or accolades but it is nice when your service is recognised.”
This year, 65 volunteers received service awards and collectively they have provided more than 1,500 years of service to St John.
Each year, more than 2,000 highly skilled St John volunteers provide more than 270,000 hours of first aid, health services and training at more than 5,000 community events and emergencies across NSW.
Whether they are at local or major sporting events, community fairs or music festivals, the unmistakable green uniformed volunteers continue to promote public safety and provide lifesaving support in those critical minutes before emergency services arrive.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer with St John Ambulance NSW visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au