The 2009 St John Conference, recently held on the Gold Coast, was a busy one as always. Attended by over 500 members from across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, it provided a number of learning and networking opportunities. Workshops were attended by members from the NT on leadership, volunteering, history of the order, women’s mentoring and youth.

Father Chris Riley, from Youth off the Streets, formally began the conference with an inspiring presentation on his work with young people. He works with youth from poor and conflicted communities, including Cabramatta and Cronulla and has received numerous awards and national acclaim for his work. He had only wonderful things to say about his experiences with St John at various community events.

In addition, I had the privilege of listening to the many Chancellor Leadership Development Program presentations, including the Northern Territory’s representative, Yvonne Cole, who provided a wonderful insight on her leadership journey over the last 9 months. The Youth workshop on Friday challenged us to think outside the square that is St John and brainstorm ideas on what St John could do for developing communities in Australia and in struggling St John Associations around the world, including Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe. The competition scenes were amazing on Saturday and included a rolled four wheel drive in the individual scene and a light aeroplane crash in the team scene. The gala dinner dance afterwards was a great night with suits of armor on guard throughout the room and statues of knights on each table. The conference was concluded with a traditional church service with the pouring rain arriving just as our buses pulled up.

Everyone walked away from the conference having gained something - knowledge, skills, friendships and a sense of belonging to the best volunteer organization in Australia – St John Ambulance.