For two decades, Matt Cowie has grown alongside St John NT, progressing from Student Paramedic to Southern Operations Manager and building a career shaped by service, loyalty and community.
From the very beginning it was the small, human moments that made the job meaningful, and continue to keep him coming back.
Matt began his career in Alice Springs as a Student Paramedic in 2006, qualified in 2009, and worked as a Paramedic until 2020. He then took on the role of Duty Manager from 2020 to 2023, and now leads as Southern Operations Manager.
When he reflects on his early years, it is the closeness of the organisation that stands out most.
“It was a lot smaller organisation back then, like a second family to me. Everyone knew everyone and nothing was ever too hard. We all supported one another and got the job done.”
He remembers “the legendary Paramedics with their great personalities and wayward antics” that still make him laugh. “We all seemed to have our own unique character down here in Southern and it banded well in a holistic kind of way. Many friendships were formed on and off the job, and many a good time was had both in and outside of work. Our Christmas parties were legendary.”
Craig Garraway, Director of Ambulance Services, who has been with St John NT for 35 years himself, remembers Matt’s early days: “Matt came in a bit reserved, but full of energy and always keen to jump in”.
Over time, both Matt and the profession evolved.
“When I joined, paramedicine was a diploma-based qualification with on-road training, and there was a preference for candidates to be over 25 so they brought more life experience. Now paramedicine is degree-based, and new recruits often go straight from university directly to an ambulance service.
“Leading these recruits, I have to remind myself that I too used to live for the moment and wasn’t always so career and family focused,” he smirked.
“Sometimes the current cohort remind me of the old school times, just in a modern way.”
What’s kept Matt at St John NT for 20 years is the “fortnightly pay checks,” he joked.
More seriously, “I love the job, the people here at St John NT, and the Alice Springs community. They’ve been incredibly supportive of me and my family. My wife has been able to build her own exceptional career here, which I’m very proud of, all while being my backbone. Without all that support, we would have moved on a long time ago.”
Among his most memorable moments are:
- The Standley Chasm rescue in 2009
- Supporting ECU Paramedic students in local Bali hospitals in 2018
- Resuscitating a patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest in the Alice Springs Town Pool in 2019, who later made a full recovery and walked out of hospital
- Deploying with AUSMAT during the Artania COVID outbreak in 2020
- Responding to the Hermannsburg Mass Casualty Incident in 2022
- Finke Desert and Harts Range Races
Yet for Matt, the real highlight is simple. “When you can go home genuinely knowing you have made a difference for someone and their family, that is a highlight for me. Often just hearing a patient say ‘thank you’ makes you want to do it all over again tomorrow.”
“Don’t get me wrong, there have been challenges too. Its mixed emotions seeing people come and go. The question always comes to mind whether to join them and search for greener pastures.
“But home is where you make it. Like anywhere Alice Springs has its downsides, but frankly, I love the six-minute commute to work, the ease of catching up with friends and colleagues and overall simplicity of living in this small town. We have a good local network of friends, and the areas outside of Alice are truly spectacular and offer me solitude when I need it.”
Matt’s advice to himself on his first day on the job: “Invest in Bitcoin,” he laughed.
“Today’s worries will be tomorrow’s lessons, so learn from the mistakes, carry on and know you have a team to support you.”
Offering perspective to those outside the profession, Matt puts it simply: “We are the people who come to you when you are at your most vulnerable, to care for you and be with you in your time of need. A Paramedic is a selfless and morally driven professional that is often underappreciated, but we do the job because we genuinely want to make a difference.”
As Matt marked 20 years with St John NT surrounded by his Alice Springs team, wife and daughter, Craig Garraway offered congratulations on behalf of the organisation: “Matt, you have given 20 years of outstanding service and become a constant in Alice Springs. Your dedication, professionalism and care have made a real difference to our patients, colleagues, and the community. We are proud to have you with us, both saving and shaping lives.”
Abigail Trewin, St John NT CEO, also extended her congratulations: "Even now, 20 years into his career, it’s inspiring to see Matt continuing to serve the community with the same passion, professionalism, and care that has defined his entire St John journey. I had the privilege of working alongside Matt during the Artania COVID response and witnessed the value his commitment brings to the community. Congratulations on 20 years, Matt."
