Honour humbles volunteer

A Newman St John Ambulance volunteer has been recognised for his exceptional service to the organisation at the annual Investiture of the Western Australian Commandery of the Order of St John.

Newman resident Jeff Doggett was recognised for his eight years of service along with 92 other members, including Onslow’s Maxine Moroney.

Mr Doggett said while it was nice to be recognised for his work, he did not do it for the recognition.

“My theory is Australia stops if volunteers stop and when it comes to St John Ambulance, I don’t think there’s a more serious volunteering organisation in Australia,” he said.

“I was just one of the fortunate ones on the job — there’s a hell of a lot of others who deserve the recognition.

“You do some very serious jobs and you literally put all your training into action on the job”

Mr Doggett, who became a volunteer after seeing a sign on his arrival in Newman, said coming from New South Wales, he had had no idea volunteer ambulance officers existed.

St John chief executive Tony Ahern said the members made a 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 of which have dedicated more than 50 years of service in caring for their community,” he said.

“Occasions such as the investiture bring attention to the remarkable volunteers and employees at the core of St John who help deliver a world-class ambulance service and help make first aid part of everyone’s lives.”