From major events like BASSINTHEGRASS and the Finke Desert Race, to local footy matches, to natural disasters, St John NT volunteers are there helping Territorians through the moments that matter.
This National Volunteer Week, St John is recognising the almost 12,000 volunteers across Australia who give their time, skills and compassion to support their communities, including hundreds of volunteers across the Northern Territory.
St John NT Volunteer Director Mark Ferguson said volunteers play an essential role in keeping communities safe, connected and resilient.
“Our volunteers are the people who step forward when others need support,” Mr Ferguson said.
“They provide care at community events, mentor young people, support emergency responses, and help people through difficult moments with professionalism and compassion.
“Across the Territory, our volunteers help communities safely enjoy some of the events and experiences that make the NT special.”
One volunteer who embodies that spirit is Alice Springs volunteer and Divisional Superintendent Glen Auricht, who has dedicated more than 33 years and 7,800 hours to supporting the community as a St John NT volunteer.
A familiar face at events across Central Australia, Glen has volunteered at every Finke Desert Race and regularly supports motor sports, music festivals and community events, helping keep participants and spectators safe.
“In many ways, St John is the unofficial sponsor of community events across the Territory. We’re there so people can enjoy the moments that matter safely,” Mr Auricht said.
“National Volunteer Week is a chance to recognise those people and say thank you for the care, humanity and skills they bring to every interaction.”
In the last financial year, St John volunteers across Australia contributed more than 456,000 volunteer hours across services including event health services, youth programs, community education, patient transport, logistics support and emergency response.
In the Northern Territory alone, St John NT volunteers dedicated 20,909 hours of their time to support 669 events and provided pre-hospital care to 452 people.
St John NT CEO Abigail Trewin said volunteering also creates strong social connections and gives people the opportunity to develop valuable life and leadership skills.
“Volunteers are part of the fabric of our communities,” she said.
“The contribution they make often goes unseen, but the impact is enormous. We are incredibly grateful for every person who chooses to give their time to support others.”
St John is also encouraging Territorians of all ages and backgrounds to consider volunteering and discover the personal and professional rewards that come with giving back to their community.
To find out more about volunteering with St John NT, visit www.stjohnnt.org.au/volunteers
