From community events to emergency shelters, volunteers are the heartbeat of the Territory. This International Volunteer Day (5 December 2025), St John NT celebrates those who give so much, including rising young leader Makayla Zelley.
Makayla is the youngest-ever Superintendent of St John NT and recent recipient of the Peter Falkland Youth Leader Award. She led the Parap Youth Division to victory at the 2025 NT Youth Competition, who went on to represent the Territory at the national championships in Sydney.
Beyond mentoring her division, Makayla’s commitment to her community was demonstrated when she volunteered a 24-hour shift at a Palmerston cyclone shelter during Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina.
Inspired by the mentors, experiences and community she found through volunteering, Makayla is now pursuing a career in healthcare and is a first-year paramedicine student at Charles Darwin University.
“Being a volunteer with St John NT has shown me what community really means,” Makayla said. “It’s helped me grow, step into leadership, and discover a passion for healthcare.”
“Makayla’s dedication, leadership and ability to inspire young people show the huge impact one volunteer can have. She is a role model and an incredible asset to her community,” said Mark Ferguson, St John NT Director Volunteer Event Health Services.
At our recent St John NT Excellence Awards, Parap Youth Member, Evangelina Ronayne mentioned in a speech that she looked up to Makayla’s leadership.
“Makayla’s story has inspired me to push myself when it comes to volunteering, and in the future, I hope to also train and teach youth like me,” said Evangelina Ronayne. “Being a member of St John means to always put the care of the community before myself and I’m immensely proud to be part of such an organisation.”
In 2024–25, St John NT volunteers provided 20,909 hours of first aid coverage across 669 community events, including Finke Desert Race, BASSINTHEGRASS, Henley on Todd, Greek Glenti, Royal Darwin Show, and City2Surf, delivering an in-kind contribution valued at over $1 million.
“The volunteers I work alongside, from Darwin to Alice Springs and everywhere in between, show incredible professionalism, compassion, and dedication to keeping our communities safe. I’m proud to be part of a team that makes such a difference,” Makayla Zelley said.
St John NT is calling for more Territorians to join its volunteer team. “Whether you want to learn new skills, support local events, or inspire the next generation, there is an opportunity for you to Be the Difference at St John NT,” Mr Ferguson said.
To learn more and join, head to stjohnnt.org.au/volunteers
