Ambos scoop prize for volunteer hub

The St John Ambulance sub centre in Katanning has been recognised for its efforts and contribution to the community.

The centre won the St John WA Volunteer Sub Centre of the Year 2018 at the Annual State Conference at the weekend.

Great Southern regional manager Cassandra Hughes said the team was thrilled with the recognition.

“St John Ambulance has a strong culture of recognition of service and outstanding contribution of both staff and volunteers, we are a strong region and are very proud of the outstanding contribution of our volunteers, paramedics, and sub centres,” she said.

The Sub Centre of the Year award, which started in 2018, is a prestigious annual award to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of one unique sub centre over the previous 12 months.

The award is held in high regard by the organisation and is a great opportunity to recognise outstanding service and the impact a sub centre has had on the community.

Ms Hughes said Katanning was a very busy sub centre, which had a high level of service to the community.

“They are also a very generous sub centre, giving support to other smaller sub centres in our region. In the last 12 months they have assisted Tambellup and Cranbrook with the construction-planning of new buildings,” she said.

“The volunteers are delighted, and were surprised by the award, which is kept secret until the day.”

Service medals were also awarded for volunteers with 12 years of service.

Great Southern volunteers who were awarded included Katanning’s Kathy Blyth, Denmark’s Paul Kightly, Dorothy Redreau and Victoria Wilson and Mt Barker’s Neil Ridgway.

Mt Barker’s Neil Crofts was also awarded his sixth bar, which represents more than 42 years of service with St John Ambulance.

Emily Jaekel from Gnowangerup also won the County Ambulance Services — Young Volunteer of the Year Award.