Flashing Lights Newsletter

Welcome from the CEO | Ross Coburn

I would like to start this introduction by saying a big thank you to all our Volunteers and Staff for their continued efforts in working towards and upholding our values (Respect, Quality of Service, Dedication, Integrity and Compassion) during the delivery of our services to all Territorians.

On the 5th of this month we celebrated International Volunteer day and as a part of that celebration we witnessed the announcement that Volunteering SA/NT was splitting and a separate arm called Volunteering NT has been established. This is indicative of the volume and capabilities that Volunteers in the NT provide and this is now recognised through Volunteering NT. The St John Volunteers make up a significant proportion in the NT and we are very proud of the level and quality of service to the Community they provide.

With the recognition of the growth in the illness of mental health St John NT have established a program to assist both us, as individuals and employees who deal with such illnesses, called the First Aid for the Mind Course. This two day course has the traditional theoretical components but comes with some fantastic practical scenarios and examples that help us better understand what we are dealing with. This is a great course and will be very popular.

On Thursday 15 December a fundraiser (Stuff the Bus Campaign) organised by Mix 104.9 incorporating all Emergency Services saw a group of Emergency Vehicles travel from Palmerston to Darwin with various stops along the way at which stuffed toys, dry foods and donations were collected and then distributed to three Charities – Foodbank NT, The Salvation Army and the Royal Darwin Hospital Children’s Ward. This was a fantastic event and we look forward to participating next year.

As mentioned last month the fundraising calendars are now on sale at the special price of $10. We have great sponsors support that has allowed us to produce these calendars and any funds raised will go towards supporting our Volunteers who in turn support the Community.

Finally our big fund raiser for 2017, the St John NT Golf Day is on 5 May and we are looking for another great day with over 200 people involved. This is a real opportunity for us to socially network with the business community in a relaxing and enjoyable environment. If you wish to place a team please let us know ASAP as this day will fill fast.

In closing, a Merry Christmas to you all and we at St John trust you have a safe and enjoyable time with family and friends over this and the New Year Period. Thanks again to everyone for your support of our dedicated Volunteers and Staff right across the Territory during 2016 and we look forward to continuing that support in 2017.

Until next time,

Best wishes, Ross 

International Volunteer Day

Thank you to our fantastic volunteers Territory wide who continue to dedicate thousands of hours to the Territory Community. A special thank you to their families for your support in allowing our volunteers to make the commitment that they do. In this calendar year alone, volunteers have dedicated over 43,000 hours at local sporting, community and sporting events and each year the demand for their services increases. Keep up the great work. 

Golf Day 2017

St John Ambulance NT will be holding our biennial charity fundraising golf day, on Friday 5 May at the Darwin Golf Club at Marrara, in support of our valued volunteers.

We are currently seeking local businesses who would like to be a part of this fantastic networking event by entering a team or sponsoring a hole. The event is one of the largest on the Darwin calendar with 216 players on the day, two teams tee off from each of the 18 holes and play an ambrose game. Lunch is served prior to play with refreshments available for the duration of the event and catering available again at the end of play when we present our prizes for the best players and hold our fundraising auction. 

This is a great networking opportunity which we would love you to be a part of. If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us Debbie Garraway on 89226202 or via email at Debbie.garraway@stjohnnt.asn.au 

Stuff the Bus Campaign

St John Management, Paramedics and Volunteers were proud to participate in the Mix 104.9 inaugural “Stuff the Bus” campaign last week. The event co- ordinated by local radio station Mix 104.9 and the NT Police, Fire and emergency services, NTES and St John and was a huge success. The aim of the emergency service vehicle convoy was to raise much needed toys, food and donations for the three charities who will be assisting those in need this Christmas period. Gifts of unwrapped new toys were donated to the Children’s ward at Royal Darwin Hospital, for those unfortunate children who will be spending Christmas on the ward.

Foodstuffs were donated to Foodbank NT and all other donations were presented to the Salvation Army. A huge thank you to all of those who supported the event, it was much bigger than anyone anticipated and will be greatly appreciated by those who need it. 

E-Newsletter sign-up winner

Congratulations to Bianca Fidock, winner of the e-newsletter signup competition for November. Bianca has won a Personal Motoring First Aid kit valued at $38.50.

Please pass our newsletter onto friends and colleagues and encourage them to join our mailing list, they will also go in the draw to win a Personal Motoring kit.

One winner will be drawn each month.