THE National St John Ambulance Service has welcomed 18 new volunteers following the completion of its Batch 9 volunteer training program.
The new volunteers completed three days of Advanced First Aid training from 1 to 3 July alongside four existing full-time staff members, bringing the total number of participants in the training to 22.
The graduates were formally presented with their Advanced First Aid certificates during a small ceremony at the National St John Ambulance headquarters in Port Moresby on the 28th of August, 2026.
Since completing their training, the volunteers have already begun contributing across the organisation. They are supporting administrative teams, assisting at the National Ambulance Operations Centre and serving at community and public events.
Some are also completing the onboarding process to support the Fleet and Logistics team as drivers, while several have expressed an interest in pursuing future careers as ambulance officers.
National St John Ambulance Commissioner and Chief Executive Kai Tane congratulated the graduates and thanked them for choosing to serve their communities.
“By choosing to volunteer, you have made acommitment to give your time, energy and skills to help others,” Commissioner Tane said.
“Volunteering with an ambulance service requires compassion, discipline, courage and a willingness to learn. It means being prepared to step forward when help is needed and serving others with professionalism and respect.”
Mr Tane encouraged the volunteers to uphold the organisation’s values of People, Learning, Unity and Service as they continued their journey with St John.
“Every person within our organisation—whether a full-time staff member or a volunteer—contributes to our mission to deliver trusted pre-hospital care and strengthen community health through partnership, training, and culturally appropriate, evidence-based practice,” he said.
“Your contribution matters, and we are grateful that you have chosen to serve alongside us.”
“To our new volunteers: welcome to the Green Angel family. Serve with compassion, remain humble, support your team and take pride in the positive difference you can make in the lives of others,” he said.
Commissioner Tane also acknowledged the Event Health Services team, instructors, mentors and staff who supported the volunteers throughout their training and onboarding.
The National St John Ambulance volunteer program provides Papua New Guineans with an opportunity to develop practical skills, support ambulance service activities and contribute meaningfully to their communities.