St John Ambulance Australia Ltd

St John Ambulance Australia Ltd, often referred to as St John Ambulance Australia (SJAA), is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to helping people in sickness, distress, suffering, or danger. It is part of the international Order of St John, which comprises eight priories. The organization is sometimes mistakenly referred to as "St John's Ambulance."

History

St John Ambulance Australia was established in the late 19th century. A public meeting held on June 13, 1883, at the Melbourne Town Hall, marked the formation of a local branch under the leadership of Edward Neild. By the end of June 1883, the first St John First Aid training centre had been established. The first division of the St John Ambulance Brigade, now known as St John Ambulance Event Health Services, was set up in Glebe, New South Wales, in 1903. Other states soon followed with their own divisions. In 1987, SJAA adopted a unified public title, "St John Ambulance Australia." The cadet movement was introduced in Australia in 1925 with a division in Glebe, NSW.

Service and Activities

For over 140 years, St John Ambulance Australia has been providing first aid training and medical assistance to the community. The organization is known for its extensive network of volunteers who provide first aid services at public events and community programs. SJAA also operates various training centers across Australia, offering courses in first aid and other medical skills. The cadet program, established in 1925, focuses on developing youth through first aid training and community service.

Membership and Structure

St John Ambulance Australia has a significant membership of approximately 11,100 individuals, contributing to its mission through various roles, including volunteering and leadership positions. The organization is led by a Chancellor and a CEO.

Financial Overview

As of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, St John Ambulance Australia reported a revenue of approximately AUD $22.6 million, while expenses were around AUD $22 million. This demonstrates the organization's efficient management of resources to fulfill its community service obligations.

Affiliations and International Presence

As part of the international Order of St John, St John Ambulance Australia is affiliated with other organizations worldwide that share similar humanitarian goals. The Order of St John is one of the oldest orders of chivalry, with roots tracing back to the 11th century. This international network enhances SJAA's ability to collaborate and share best practices globally.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John_Ambulance_Australia [2] https://stjohnwa.com.au/about-us/our-history/st-john-historical-timeline [3] https://stjohn.org.au/about [4] https://stjohn.org.au/assets/uploads/history%20journal/History_vol_07.pdf [5] https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/news/st-john-ambulance-australia-celebrates-140-years-of-service-to-the-community/