Two dedicated Bridgetown St John Ambulance volunteers have been recognised and honoured during the official opening ceremony of the Officers’ Quarters Extensions on Saturday June 25.
John Jones was honoured with the extensions being named after him for his dedication of more than 55 years to the service along with long-serving volunteer Maurie Busch having the training hall named in his honour.
Guests from Perth included St John Ambulance WA Chairman Gerard King and chief executive Tony Ahern, who enjoyed the ceremony and celebrations along with volunteers, community members and local leaders.
St John Bridgetown Sub-centre chairman Craig Sisson said both men were dedicated volunteers who deserved to be recognised.
“Maurie Busch joined as a volunteer in 1972 and has spent most of his years with SJA Bridgetown on the committee,” Said Mr Sisson.
“He has been a first aid trainer and trainer of volunteer ambulance officers and his knowledge of first aid is exceptional.
“It is for this reason that we have named our training room in his honour.”
“Our other exceptional volunteer is of course John Jones who has been an active member for over 57 years serving at Bridgetown Manjimup and Northcliffe’” Sisson said.
“John was awarded the National Ambulance Medal this year in the Australia Day Honours, which is only awarded to one volunteer in WA each year.
“He was also the Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes 2016 Volunteer of the Year and is a Commander in the Order of St John.
“John is currently vice chairman of the committee and a volunteer trainer and was on the building committee for the current sub-centre as well as the extension that we are now naming in his honour.”
The first class Officers’ quarters extensions provides a place for members to stay if they live too far away, providing an opportunity for more out-of-town community members to take up positions with the organisation.
The first class Officers’ quarters extensions provides a place for members to stay if they live out of town, providing an opportunity for more out-of-town community members to take up positions with the organisation.
St John’s Ambulance Chairman Gerard King was pleased to make the trip to Bridgetown to honour such amazing volunteers.
“It is wonderful to be able to see first hand the project that you have undertaken which has added to the future proofing of your work in this town and in this area,” Mr King said.
“I also just want to say with every opportunity that I can, well done to you all for your continued work on this project. It makes me feel humble every time I see such work and dedication from volunteers.”