St John NT has recognised long-serving paramedic and volunteer leader Mark Ferguson for 25 years of professional service to the organisation and the Northern Territory community.
Mark’s connection to St John began as a young volunteer in Katherine in 1988, well before he joined the ambulance service as a paid paramedic on 2 July 2001.
Since then, he has served communities across Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Darwin, progressing through frontline, clinical and leadership roles and building a career closely connected to both ambulance operations and volunteering.
Over the years, Mark progressed to Intensive Care Paramedic level, contributed to the Extended Care Paramedic program and held operational leadership roles including Area Manager Katherine, Area Manager Nhulunbuy and Duty Manager Northern.
He also played an important role in the development of St John NT’s Ambulance Assist program and supported frontline service delivery through periods of significant demand, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
St John NT Volunteer Commissioner Warren Purse said Mark’s experience across both ambulance and volunteering had made him a valued leader within the organisation.
“I’ve worked alongside Mark for many years in both ambulance and volunteer roles, and you can really see the progression of his St John journey,” Mr Purse said.
“He started as a volunteer in Katherine, went on to build a career as a paramedic and operational leader, and throughout all of that he has never lost his connection to volunteering.
“That is probably one of the things that defines Mark. He understands both sides of St John because he has lived both sides of it.”
That connection continues today, with Mark serving as Director Volunteer Event Health Services, leading St John NT’s volunteer event health operations across the Territory, as well as previous service as Commissioner.
St John NT CEO Abigail Trewin AM said Mark’s 25-year employment milestone reflected a much broader contribution to the organisation.
“Mark has dedicated an enormous part of his life to St John and to serving Territorians,” Ms Trewin said.
“Across his career he has cared for patients, supported colleagues, led teams and continued to invest in our volunteers and future generations.
“Twenty-five years of professional service is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly grateful for everything Mark has contributed along the way.”
Mark and paramedic Nick Bigwood were formally recognised for his 25 years of professional service at the St John NT 2026 Excellence Awards on Wednesday night.
