Michael joined St John Ambulance as a volunteer in 1984. As a member of the Alice Springs Adult Division, he was active at public duties and on the ambulances as a third person/observer. His enthusiasm for the role saw him leave his retail management career with Coles-Myer and commence employment as a Trainee Ambulance Officer in Alice Springs in 1988. His commitment to both the paid service and the volunteers has never wavered and in 2005 Michael decided to take a more active role in the volunteers. He was promoted to a Territory Officer position in 2006 and commenced the Territory Superintendent position in June 2008.

Territory Superintendent of Volunteers

The Territory Superintendent oversees the efficient administration of the Operations Branch as required by National Regulation and provides day to day management of Operations Branch members and resources in the Territory. The Territory Superintendent directs the development of Territory policies and regulations to assist administration with consideration to any relevant legislation. The Territory Superintendent has overall control of Operations Branch finances and ensures all transactions are recorded correctly through the use of audits. They work closely with National Headquarters staff and other State / Territory Superintendents to develop national Operations Branch policies and resources.

Director of Operations Ambulance

Michael went on to qualify as an Ambulance Officer in Alice Springs and continued his training to become an Intensive Care Paramedic. During this time, Michael had the opportunity to work in Ambulance stations including, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Darwin. In 1999, Michael moved to Darwin to take on the role of Deputy Operations Manager and in 2003 he stepped up to Ambulance Operations Manager at the Casuarina Centre. During this time, he was instrumental in shaping the direction of the Ambulance Service and worked closely with t he St John CEO and Board, Paramedic Training College, Medical Officers, Territory Government, interstate ambulance services and other stakeholders to ensure the service, including staff and equipment remains at the forefront of the field. In 2005, Michael received a Police Commissioner’s Letter of Recognition for his role in the rescue of two men from the Finness River and was instrumental in coordinating the transport of casualties from the Indonesian Terrorist Attacks.

Michael’s experience and training, in clinical matters, disaster preparedness and management has prepared him well for his new position as Director of Operations – Ambulance which he began in mid 2009. This position is a strategic one which has Michael overseeing the ambulance service across the entire Northern Territory.

In his spare time Michael enjoys spending time with his family. He enjoys jet skiing in Darwin Harbour with his wife and two teenage children as well as tackling home improvement projects on the house. His other past times include walking, reading and working on the computer.

Michael is a well respected and highly regarded member of the St John Ambulance team. His dedication and professionalism to the ambulance profession and the ethos of St John Ambulance is unparalleled.