St John International

For 33 years, Makaylia Ravlich has dedicated her time, passion, and leadership to St John NT. Since joining in 1993, she has been a driving force behind the organisation’s youth program, mentoring and supporting young people across the Northern Territory.

As Volunteer Territory Officer Youth, Makaylia coordinates activities, mentors division leaders, and ensures programs help young members build confidence, leadership skills, and first aid knowledge. One of her proudest moments was seeing a young person she mentored progress from youth member to qualified paramedic — a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of investing in youth.

“Working with St John NT gives me the opportunity to empower young people to grow, lead, and make a difference in their communities,” says Makaylia.

Follow along this week as we continue celebrating the inspiring women of St John.

Read Makaylia’s full story here: https://bit.ly/4uxOCxG
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St John NT

We’re celebrating Kimberley Gounden, CA(SA), Chief Financial Officer at Order of St John South Africa. Since joining in 2023, Kimberley has strengthened financial processes and governance, helping the organisation achieve its first-ever clean audit and maintaining operational integrity ever since.

In 2024, she was promoted to CFO and formally admitted as a Member of the Order of St John South Africa, recognising her leadership, dedication, and service. Beyond her professional role, Kimberley is passionate about community service and youth development, actively contributing to charitable initiatives and local children’s ministry.

Follow along this week as we continue celebrating the inspiring women of St John.

Read Kimberley’s full story here: https://bit.ly/4s7FjD1

St John - South Africa

For 28 years, Debi Thompson has dedicated her expertise and commitment to St John Ambulance Australia. Since 2018, she has been a proud Member of the Order of St John, recognising her nearly three decades of service.

As Finance Manager for the National Product Sourcing Unit (NPSU), Debi oversees billing, audits, budgeting, stock management, and financial analysis, ensuring resources are maximised to support St John states, territories, and international branches. Her work helps provide essential equipment like defibrillators and first aid kits to volunteers on the frontlines and enables branches to continue their lifesaving services.

“Working as a Finance Manager for St John Ambulance Australia is more than a professional role for me it is a chance to combine financial experience with meaningful community impact,” says Debi.

Follow along this week as we continue celebrating the inspiring women of St John.

Read Debi's full story here: https://bit.ly/3P2TQkZ
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St John Ambulance Australia

Building on the momentum of our campaign, we’re continuing to spotlight the inspiring women of St John throughout the week.

Today we’re highlighting Ruth Hlanganiso, whose life has been defined by dedication to community service and leadership. From her early work as a Youth Advisor in the Methodist Church to joining St John Ambulance Zimbabwe in 2007, Ruth has spent decades supporting communities through training, emergency services, and leadership.

She later served as Ambulance Service Supervisor and Transport Manager until her retirement in 2021. In recognition of her outstanding contribution, Ruth was invested as a Member of the Order of St John in 2025 and continues to serve as Mashonaland Area Brigade Commissioner.

Follow along this week as we continue celebrating the inspiring women of St John.

Read Ruth's full story here: https://bit.ly/40rRZZy

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St John Ambulance Association Zimbabwe

💐 This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength, care, and dedication of mothers everywhere. 💐

At St John, supporting mothers is an important part of our work around the world. Many St John organisations provide training, health education, and community support that helps mothers care for themselves and their families.

Through our Mother and Baby programme, we work specifically with mothers during pregnancy and early childhood, equipping them with essential health knowledge and first aid skills to give babies the best possible start in life.

Explore our Mother and Baby programme to see how mothers are being supported across our global network: https://bit.ly/4rqiSaY

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St John Ambulance Association Zimbabwe
St John Ambulance Kenya
St John Malawi
St John Zambia

For our final post in this year’s campaign, we’re celebrating Trish Aitken, a true inspiration at St John Scotland.

Trish has spent eight years supporting dialysis patients across Fife as a Patient Transport Driver, while also serving as Deputy Transport Co-ordinator and Treasurer. Her dedication, reliability, and friendly presence make a real difference to patients, volunteers, and the community alike.

Volunteers like Trish remind us every day of the incredible impact women have across St John.

Read her full story on our website: https://bit.ly/416gJ9H

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St John Scotland

Shining a spotlight on inspiring women at St John, we’re highlighting Grace Johnstone, Advanced Responder and Divisional Officer for Farrar Youth.

For four years, Grace has balanced operational duties with mentoring young volunteers, helping them build confidence, clinical skills, and hands-on experience at their first events. Having aged out of Farrar Youth herself, she returned to give back, guiding the next generation and creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

Her dedication has been recognised nationally, Grace has served as a Priory Esquire, won Nationals as a cadet, and been named Adult Volunteer of the Year.

“Seeing young members excited and confident at their first events is the most rewarding part of this role.” – Grace Johnstone

Grace’s leadership is shaping the future of St John, one volunteer at a time.

Read her full story on our website: https://bit.ly/4uk3W0R

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St John NT

Celebrating the remarkable women of St John, today we’re featuring Gill Haigney, Director of Event Cover at St John Ambulance Ireland, whose leadership ensures safe, high-quality medical support at events while mentoring and empowering volunteers across the country.

Since joining St John Ireland over ten years ago, Gill has progressed from volunteer to Director of National Event Cover, demonstrating leadership, commitment, and a passion for supporting her teams. She oversees medical cover at major events like the St Patrick’s Day Festival and the Dublin Horse Show, while prioritising volunteer welfare and developing the next generation of leaders.

Through her leadership, event operations run smoothly, standards of care remain high, and volunteers feel supported and valued.

“Supporting our volunteers and ensuring safe, professional care at every event is what makes this role so meaningful.” – Gill Haigney

Gill’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact women have across St John every single day.

Read her full story on our website and stay tuned for more inspiring stories this week: https://bit.ly/3NknaCP

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St John Ambulance Ireland

Shining a spotlight on the inspiring women of St John, we’re highlighting Yolandé Oosthuizen, HR Director of St John South Africa, a dedicated leader whose work supporting staff, volunteers, and organisational growth makes a real difference across the country.

Since joining St John South Africa, Yolandé has contributed in multiple capacities, demonstrating resilience, leadership, and a commitment to service. After being made redundant in 2023, she was reappointed in 2024 as HR Director a role she sees as a calling, not just a position. She continues to strengthen governance, foster accountability, and ensure staff and volunteers feel valued and supported.

Through her leadership, unity across provinces has grown, workplace culture has improved, and St John South Africa continues to make a meaningful impact in the communities it serves.

“Being able to support our people and serve the organisation is what makes this role so meaningful.” – Yolandé Oosthuizen

Yolandé’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference women make across St John every single day.

Read her full story on our website and stay tuned for more inspiring stories this week: https://bit.ly/4rVqgfI

St John - South Africa

Shining a spotlight on the incredible women of St John, we’re featuring Jane Van-Tiel OStJ from St John Ambulance Cymru, a dedicated leader whose work supporting volunteers and promoting first aid makes a real difference across Wales.

Since beginning her journey as a Cadet over 30 years ago, Jane has grown into the role of Chief Commissioner, holding numerous positions from youth leader to division and county manager. She continues her passion for helping others by representing volunteers, attending events, and encouraging communities to learn vital first aid skills.

Through her leadership, volunteer engagement and training across Wales continues to grow, strengthening local communities and helping more people access life-saving support when they need it most.

“Being able to represent our volunteers and help people learn first aid is what makes this role so meaningful.” – Jane Van-Tiel

Jane’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference women make across St John every single day.

Read her full story on our website and stay tuned for more inspiring stories this week: https://bit.ly/4rVj0jY
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St John Ambulance Cymru

Highlighting the remarkable women of St John, we’re featuring Sarah-Jane Holden from the Guild of St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital, a dedicated leader whose work supporting fundraising and volunteers makes a real difference for the Eye Hospital.

Since joining the Guild over 30 years ago, Sarah-Jane has grown into the role of Chair, holding numerous positions and leading events from bridge afternoons to large-scale dinners and concerts. She continues her passion for helping others by engaging volunteers and ensuring funds directly support nurses in Gaza, who work under some of the most challenging conditions in the world.

Through her leadership, volunteer engagement continues to grow, strengthening communities and helping more people access vital eye care when they need it most.

“Being able to support our volunteers and help patients in need is what makes this role so meaningful.” – Sarah-Jane Holden

Sarah-Janes’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference women make across St John every single day.

Read her full story on our website and stay tuned for more inspiring stories this week: https://bit.ly/3OW6hz3

St John Eye Hospital

📣 We’re recruiting Volunteer Assessors!

St John International is launching a new community‑managed Small Grants Fund, and we’re looking for volunteer assessors from across all St John establishments.

Who can apply?
✔ Middle‑management St John people
✔ Responsible for a team/department budget
✔ Involved in delivering operational activity

What’s involved?
🕒 Commit to a 1‑year term (up to 2 years max)
📚 Complete annual SJI training
🤝 Join at least two proposal‑assessment meetings per year

We’re building a pool of around 40 active assessors to help support impactful St John activities worldwide. If you’re passionate about contributing your expertise, we’d love to hear from you!

Deadline to apply: Friday 3rd April 2026

More info at the🔗: https://ow.ly/m9ty50YscPP

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