Media Release

6 October 2008

On Saturday 11 October 2008 Bernard Kilgariff, AM, J.P. will be invested as a Knight into the Order of St John. The investiture, will be made at the Alice Springs Desert Park, by His Honour Mr Tom
Pauling AO QC KStJ, the Deputy Prior of the Order of St John and Administrator of the Northern Territory. He will be joined in the ceremony by the Chancellor of the Priory in Australia, Dr Neil Conn AO KStJ, former Administrator of the Northern Territory.

Adding to a lifetime of outstanding community contribution in the Northern Territory, Mr Kilgariff joined the Council of St John Ambulance as a Board Member in 1987 and was later promoted to Commander within the Order in 1999. His involvement has been central to building the profile and volunteer capability of the organisation in the Northern Territory over the last 20 years.

Primarily representing the Council of St John Ambulance in Alice Springs, Mr Kilgariff continues to, provide strong support to the volunteers and cadet movement of St John Ambulance. Now in his 80’s, Mr Kilgariff regularly volunteers his valuable time to teaching St John Ambulance Cadets about the historical aspects of the Order of St John and the ANZAC tradition, whilst continuing his role on Council.

In commenting on this recognition of Bernie Kilgariff Dr Neil Conn said “An investiture of a Knight into the Order is an honour granted and awarded by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of outstanding contributions to the work of the Order of St John”. Dr Conn also said “I have known Bernie for many years and have the highest regard for his voluntary service and commitment not only to St John but to the wider Northern Territory community. This is indeed a high honour but one which is thoroughly deserved”.

Bernie Kilgariff’s commitment to St John Ambulance in the Northern Territory and in particular to the Alice Springs Region, has been recognised and earned him a nomination for the honour of Knight in
2007.

St John Ambulance Australia is the Australian Priory of the international Order of St John - The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, which is established under royal charter.
The Order traces its origins back 900 years to the Knights Hospitaller from whom St. John today derives its inspiration and maxims - for the Faith and in the service of Mankind.

St John Chairman Mr Michael Mooney said “Board Members, Management, Staff, Volunteers and Cadets of St John are delighted that Bernie has been afforded this recognition and on their behalf I would like to offer our congratulations”.

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