St John’s Day celebrations are taking place across the country today, recognising more than 2,000 current St John youth members and honouring the tens of thousands who have taken part over the past 100 years.
This year’s St John’s Day highlights a major milestone for the St John Youth Program: 100 years since the program began in Glebe, Sydney, and 70 years in the Northern Territory.
The program empowers young people to lead, serve and thrive in their community, contributing to the confidence, first aid skills and career trajectories of young Australians.
St John NT CEO, Andrew Tombs said; “At a time when many young people are facing serious challenges to their wellbeing, our Youth Program is more important than ever offering connection, purpose and skills that last a lifetime.”
“For 100 years, the St John Youth Program has helped young people across Australia grow into confident, capable leaders. Here in the Northern Territory, our own youth program has been going strong for more than 70 years and we’re proud of the impact it continues to have in communities both locally and around the country.”
“This centenary isn’t just about looking back; it’s about celebrating the strength, resilience, and generosity of young Australians who continue to give so much to others, and looking ahead to the next 100 years of youth leading, learning, and making a difference in their communities.”
The 2025 National Youth Program Evaluation highlighted the program’s powerful impact, with 97 per cent of young participants reporting improved wellbeing and positive life outcomes, particularly in self-confidence and leadership. In addition, 70 per cent of parents observed noticeable improvements in their child’s self-esteem and confidence.
St John NT Youth Member, Joshua Harrington, is just one example of the bright and dedicated young people involved in the program.
“Being part of the St John Youth Program has given me confidence I never thought I’d have. I’ve made friends, learned life-saving skills, and now I’m thinking about a career in health care,” Joshua said.
"St John has helped me find my voice and realise that I can make a real difference in the world, even at my age.”
Joshua’s mother, Samantha Harrington, commented on the positive impact that his involvement in St John NT’s Farrar Youth Division has had.
“St John hasn’t just taught my son first aid – it’s shaped him into a young person who’s confident, capable, and genuinely cares about helping others. That’s a rare thing to find in a youth program,” Samantha said.
“What I’ve seen in my son since joining St John is remarkable. He’s more resilient, more driven, and he walks a little taller knowing he’s part of something bigger than himself.”
St John hopes to welcome more young people to the program in the century to come. New recruits aged eight to seventeen who would like to learn new skills, make friends, have fun and give back to their communities are encouraged to seek out their local group.
For more information about the St John Youth Program and Centenary of Youth visit: youth.stjohn.org.au
To become a member visit: https://www.stjohnnt.org.au/volunteers/volunteer-st-john-nt or call (08) 8922 6205.
