Parap Youth Division are the newly crowned champions of the St John NT Youth Competition and will represent the Territory on the national stage at NatCamp in Sydney later this year.
20 competitors from across the NT put their skills on show at Hidden Valley Motor Raceway for the annual Youth Competition – a powerful showcase of the first aid, leadership and communication skills being developed through the St John NT Youth Program for 12 to 17-year-olds.
Competition challenges included a simulated workplace gas explosion, a surprise recipe, and a debate about legislative changes to social media, with participants from Parap, Darwin, Farrar, Humpty Doo, and Katherine Divisions.
St John NT Director Volunteer Event Health Services, Mark Ferguson, said that St John NT’s youth have yet again demonstrated that the future of the Territory is in capable hands.
“All participants showed exceptional skills, confidence and teamwork. This competition not only tests clinical knowledge, but also our Youth members’ ability to negotiate, communicate and lead,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The competition brings St John youth members, leaders, volunteers, paramedics and other staff together to help develop the skills of our future emergency responders, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, and more.”
“I am incredibly proud of all competitors; they have trained hard and are clearly dedicated to the St John mission of saving lives and building resilience.”
This year’s Competition Manager, Grace Johnstone, competed in the 2024 NT and national competitions and highlighted the importance of the competitions in refining core skills.
“The Youth Competition is about more than winning the competition; it helps identify and hone core Program skills and is a fun way to meet other members from across the Territory,” Miss Johnstone said.
The St John Youth Program develops the skills of young people, with 2,200 members and 94 Divisions across Australia. It teaches great skills in a fun, supportive environment that is part of an international organisation.
