Top honour for St John stalwart

Years of dedicated service by eight St John Ambulance Great Southern members was recognised earlier this month at the annual Investiture of the Western Australian Commandery of the Order of St John.

Among the seven members across the State promoted to the grade of officer included Albany’s Garth Roberts who was recognised for his 45 years service at Government House on April 8.

Mr Roberts signed up as a volunteer at the Mt Barker sub centre in 1972 before moving to Denmark two years later and undertook roles of chairman, treasurer, secretary, officer-in-charge, as well as being a volunteer ambulance officer over the span of several decades.

He moved to Albany in 2010 with plans to retire but was convinced to stay on as a volunteer and was awarded his sixth bar service medal last year before the recent honour alongside Tambellup’s Trevor Prout.

Mr Prout was also promoted to officer with the Order of St John after 37 years service in roles including first-aid trainer, volunteer ambulance officer, transport officer, committee member and volunteer development officer.

Kojonup’s Roger Ladyman, Jerramungup’s Anita Martin, Gnowangerup’s Ian McDonald, Katanning’s Chris Obst, Pingrup’s Donna Skerris and Rocky Gully’s Johanna Wills were admitted as members by WA Governor Kerry Sanderson.

St John chief executive officer Tony Ahern thanked all members for their significant contribution to the organisation.

“Being admitted to, or promoted within, the Order of St John is a great honour and we are very proud of the volunteers and staff recognised this year, some which have dedicated more than 50 years of service in caring for their community,” he said.