The Experience
Wednesday 7th - Friday 9th August 2024
That's a wrap for the 2024 Experience! Check out some of the highlights by clicking the button below, or watch our short video capturing the event over three days.
See you all in 2025.
Latest Updates
Breakout sessions bookings open
Bookings are now open for the Breakout Sessions on both Wednesday 7th and Friday 9th August.
10.07.2024
WIN TICKETS TO THE BLACK TIE BALL
Missed out on ball tickets?
Register for the Conference on 8 August to be in the running to win two tickets to the Black Tie Ball!
04.07.2024
Black Tie Ball tickets on sale TODAY!
Tickets are on sale 10am!
**Ball tickets are now SOLD OUT.**
04.07.2024
Event Information
- State Conference
- Breakout Sessions
- St John Ball
- Volunteer Awards
- New Uniform Experience
- How to get to the Experience
- Why attend the Experience
State Conference
8 August 2024
- Event Summary
- Conference Speakers
- Conference Program
- Previous Years Content
Immerse yourself in the pinnacle event on the St John calendar - the State Conference.
Connecting every Western Australian with care to benefit wellbeing and health by 2030.
The St John Experience was created to provide our team of individuals spread across the state an opportunity to connect, celebrate, learn, and be inspired by each other and subject-matter experts. The 2024 conference program is centred around the theme of Connecting - delivered through our values of Think Team, Lead with Heart, Walk the Talk and Make it Better.
Most importantly connecting with our communities within which we work and without whose support we would cease to exist. It also relates to partner organisations we work with to be able to deliver a joined up, seamless, connected experience as duty of care is passed on from one to the other.
Connecting also speaks to the way all parts of the organisation work together to deliver exceptional service to our patients, clients, customers and one another. Connecting encompasses our people and how we band together, how we connect with one another and support one another through our vast network.
Our 2024 conference program is designed to enhance and optimise our Connections and strengthen alignment with the organisation’s strategic planning initiatives.
Date:
Thursday 8th August
Time:
7.30 am - 6.00 pm
Venue:
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Bellevue Ballroom
21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
State Conference
Live: Registration opens 7.30am for 8.30am start
Virtual Broadcast via Yammer: 8.30am
When
Thursday 8 August, 8.30am
Location
Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
Whichever way you’re joining us, please register so we can keep you up to date.
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Winthrop Professor, FRACS AM
Partner, Data & AI, Digital Health - KPMG Australia
General Manager, Happiness Co
CEO, Menopause Friendly Australia
MC
Ambulance Operations General Manager - St John WA
Group CEO- St John WA
OAM, OLY, CStJ, FAICD – Board Chair & Commandery Lieutenant - St John WA
Chief Community Officer- St John WA
Chief Preventative Officer- St John WA
Chief Emergency Officer - St John WA
Chief Financial Officer - St John WA
Head of WWG Uniforms - Workwear Group
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Experience Videos and Photos
Click the links below to see more
2023 Day 1
Chair's Address
Sally Carbon, St John WA
Welcome to Country Performance
Wadumbah
CEO’s Welcome
Kevin Brown, CEO, St John WA
The future of healthcare in WA
Futurist Bernard Salt AM
Meet your new Chiefs
Kevin Brown, CEO, St John WA & new chiefs
Tactical Medical Presentation
Joe Cuthbertson- Head of Specialist operations- St John WA, Matt O'Shea- Experienced Tactical Care Provider, Stew Grennan- Community Paramedic- St John WA, Andrew 'Wishy' Wishart- Clinical Support Paramedic- St John WA
Papua New Guinea Exchange Program
Kelly Guest- Clinical Quality Manager and St John PNG National Ambulance Operations Centre Officers
Total Solar Eclipse Response
Video & Sub centre presentation
Our People, Our Culture
Tamsyn Howard- Chief People, Culture & Development Officer St John WA
A Look at the Impact of Kinetic Energy in Road Crashes on the Human Body and the Community
Dr Sudhakar Rao- General Surgeon, Royal Perth Hospital & Iain Cameron- Managing Director, WA Department of Transport
2023 Day 2
Science of Sound and Healing
En Coda Ensemble
A Call to Courage - Acknowledge This
Rhys Paddick and Emma Gibbens
Ambulance Services Agreement
Stephen Cummings & Justin Fonte
3D Printed Scaffolds accelerating healing
Dr David Morrison, (CITRA)
Living with Death, Laughing at Life, Holding Hope
Dr Ann O'Neill AO
Awards Sundowner
Volunteer and Sub centre of the year
2022 Session 1, Day 1
Welcome
Tim Gossage & Alana McLean, MCs
Chairmans Address
Shayne Leslie KStJ, Chairperson, St John WA
Welcome to Country Performance
Wadumbah
CEO’s Welcome
Antony Smithson, CEO, St John WA
Keynote Speaker
Osher Gunsberg
2022 Session 2, Day 1
Health Minister Address
The Hon Amber- Jade Sanderson
Inside Chat: The Care Link Program
Kelly guest, Clinical Quality Manager, St John WA & guests
Clinical Focus
Dr David Anderson, Medical director, Ambulance Victoria
2022 Session 3, Day 1
Inside Chat: Infection Prevention Control Champions
Stephanie Wraight, Clinical Quality Manager, St John WA and guests
Sub Centre Presentation: Bridgetown Bushfire Response
Elza Wallis, Emergency Medical Technician, St John WA
Inside Chat: Virtual Emergency Medicine
Rudi Brits, Head of Clinical Services, St John WA
St Johns Story #1
Kalbarri & Northampton
2022 Session 1, Day 2
Welcome
Tim Gossage & Alana McLean, MCs
CEO’s Welcome
Antony Smithson, CEO, St John WA
Val Dempsey & Aaron Crowther
Val Dempsey, Senior Australian of the Year & Aaron Crowther, Chief brand & reputation officer, St John WA
Guest Speaker
Anthony Lock- DSM Former Director of Patient Safety and Human Performance at Royal Perth Bentley Group Hospitals and Founding Director “Nexus” Human Factors Training (No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
2022 Session 2, Day 2
Guest Speaker
Trauma Case Study – Martin Jarmin MD FRAC, Trauma Surgeon, Royal Perth Hospital (No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
Inside Chat: The Wellbeing Supporters Program
Cristene French, Wellbeing & Support Coordinator, St John WA & guests
2022 Session 3, Day 2
St Johns Story #2
Christmas Island subcentre
Inside Chat: Our Reconciliation Journey
Jahna Cedar, Executive director, Indigenous advisory, policy & evaluation. Aaron Crowther, Chief brand & reputation officer, St John WA
Keynote Speaker
Justin Langer AM
Conference Close
Antony Smithson, CEO, St John WA
2021 Day 1
Chairmans Address
Shayne Leslie KStJ, Chairperson, St John WA
CEO’s Welcome
Michelle Fyfe, CEO, St John WA
Guest Speaker: Personal Health
Todd Sampson (No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
Inside Chat: IMT response Seroja + Covid + Lockdown
Joe Cuthbertson
Sub centre Presentation: Leonora Sub Centre
Nadine McLoughlin & Kathy Beaton
Guest Speaker: The Fight against coronavirus
Dr Nick Coatsworth (No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
Clinical Focus: A dive down some deep rabbit holes
Dr Michelle Johnstone
Guest Speaker: Mental Health Check
Elizabeth Berryman & Donna Lawrence
St John Stories- Focussing on the future
Blade Wilson & Kristie Philp
CEO Closing Address
Michelle Fyfe, CEO, St John WA
2021 Day 2
CEO’s address
Michelle Fyfe, CEO, St John WA
Health Ministers address
Hon. Roger Cook MLA
Inside Chat: CPG Clinical Governance APP
Deane Coxall, Rudi Brits & Paul Bailey
St John Stories: 24/7 in Karratha
Callum Broadway
Guest Speaker: Courage Under Fire
Rabia Siddique
St John Stories- Cons story
Con, Judy & Alex Paioff
Inside Chat: St John Health
John O’Toole & Darren Webb
Guest Speaker: Crisis & Resilience
Derrick Tin (No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
CEO Closing Address
Michelle Fyfe, CEO, St John WA
2019 Day 1
Keynote Speaker Kurt Fearnley AO, Australian Wheelchair Racer and Paralympic Gold Medallist (No recording permission for this presentation)
Guest Speaker: Preserving Life and Evidence
Sergeant Jade Sustek, Forensic Consultant, WA Police (No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
2019 Day 2
Prof George Braitberg, Emergency Medicine, Bourke Street Mall Attack
(No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
Keynote Speaker, Samuel Johnson OAM, (No photography, filming or recording permission for this presentation)
2018 Day 1
Guest Speaker – Dr David Chong M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.S.
Sorry due to privacy no video for this speaker
2018 Day 2
For the highlights from the 2018 Ball click here
2017 Day 1
Guest Speaker – Peter FitzSimons
Sorry no video for this speaker
Guest Speaker – Dr David Chong
Sorry due to privacy no video for this speaker
2017 Day 2
Guest Speaker – Prof Fiona Wood
Sorry due to privacy no video for this speaker
For the highlights from the 2017 Ball see Ball Video
2016 Day 1
Guest Speaker – Peter Baines OAM
No video for this speaker
2016 Day 2
Chief Executive Officer’s Overview – Tony Ahern
Sim Wars Grand Final
(Tongue in cheek skills challenge!)
Guest Speaker – Anh Do
No video for this speaker
2015 Day 1
2015 Day 2
For the highlights from the 2015 Ball see Ball Video
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Breakout Sessions
7 & 9 August 2024
- Friday 9 August
- Wednesday 7 August
All sessions will be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on 7th and 9th August.
Registrations are open via the link below.
9.00-10.00am
Work smarter, not harder: Practical tips for improving your IT skills
This session is designed for anyone who collects, uses, or processes information as part of their St John WA duties. Enhance your information technology skills. Learn to navigate and utilise Microsoft 365 applications for increased productivity. Understand the importance of information privacy and cybersecurity. Includes Q&A session and recommendations for accessing further resources.
9.00-10.00am
Trauma care: From impact to discharge
Have you ever wondered if you were on the right track with your diagnosis and care of a trauma patient? Sheryl Jonesco – Trauma Case Manager at Royal Perth Hospital – will take you on a journey unravelling the case study of a trauma patient who seemed OK at the scene but not OK by the time they arrived at the RPH. Learn what happens after you drop them off, how injuries are managed in hospital and where they discharge to.
9.30-10.00am
St John Academy
One of St John WA’s most exciting projects in 2025 will be the phased implementation of our St John Academy WA. Anyone with an interest in becoming an Academy Team Leader and helping guide our young Academy Team Members, or if you want to find out what’s in this for young people, come along and attend our information session.
10.30-12.30pm
Deafness awareness in prehospital care
Develop a basic understanding of deafness, deaf culture and deaf community. Learn basic Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and tips for interacting with deaf patients in a pre-hospital environment. Get information on Convo - Australia's first dedicated on-demand video interpreting service that provides users access to qualified Auslan interpreters through video calls.
10.30-12.00pm
Injury Management Support
Learn about the personal injury process and resources available to volunteer team members who suffer an injury whilst volunteering. Know what to do post a physical injury and managing health and wellbeing as a volunteer.
10.30-12.00pm
Psychosocial Hazards in the workplace
Psychosocial wellbeing and good mental health are paramount to our daily functioning. Get knowledge around psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Learn how to spot these hazards and what can be done to reduce their impact. Learn skills and strategies to support yourself and colleagues.
10:30-12:30pm
Sub Centre Governance
An interactive workshop on how to make the best of St John WA’s Sub Centre Governance Framework. Build an effective committee. Tips, and tricks to run efficient committee meetings, roles, and responsibilities. What works for different locations, financial and operational budgeting, and succession planning.
St John’s RAP journey - from Reflect to Innovate
St John WA invites you to a talk focused on our strategic efforts to support and uplift First Nations communities across Western Australia. This event will delve into our comprehensive approach, highlighting our dedication to fostering a culturally competent workforce, improving service accessibility, and ensuring that our policies and practices reflect the unique needs of First Nations peoples. Participate in an exchange of ideas, bring your questions, and learn how you can play a role in advancing our reconciliation goals. Together, we can drive positive change, create inclusive environments, and ensure that our services are not only responsive but also respectful and empowering for all. Join us in this critical conversation and help us ‘Make it better’ in our commitment to reconciliation.
1.00-2.30pm
The Power of Recognition plus St John WA Guide to Award and Recognition
The People Innovation and Experience team will deliver a workshop on team member recognition, which is a vital part of a thriving organisational culture. Discover different styles of recognition and explore the tools and resources available within St John WA to celebrate positive behaviours.
The Heritage & Recognition team will provide an overview of the Formal Awards and Recognition program within St John WA for all team members. Learn about eligibility and how to apply for a formal award.
1.00-3.00pm
Menopause and work: Let's talk about it
Open discussion on the fastest growing demographic of people in the workplace. Learn about menopause symptoms, how it affects people at work, how team members can support colleagues going through menopause. Learn what St John WA is doing to support menopause, including employee assistance, support group etc.
1.00-3.00pm
STORC: One year on
Our experienced midwives and paramedics will lead you through a theory session and practical experience on normal birth and common complications in the pre-hospital setting such as postpartum haemorrhage and breach birth. Find out what we have learnt in our first year of STORC and how it has taken off in the regions, along with some success stories.
2.00-3.00pm
Shaping a Greener Future: Influencing St John WA's Environment Strategy
This interactive workshop is designed to all team members with an interest learning about how they can contribute specifically to St John WA’s environmental initiatives. Learn about the current initiatives and the Morangup case study. Participate in our discussions, collaborate with ideas, and help to shape and influence our Corporate environmental strategy.
The Breakout Sessions are subject to change. Changes will be reflected on this website.
All sessions will be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on 7th and 9th August.
Registrations are open via the link below.
10.00-12.00pm
STORC: One year on
Our experienced midwives and paramedics will lead you through a theory session and practical experience on normal birth and common complications in the pre-hospital setting such as postpartum haemorrhage and breach birth. Find out what we have learnt in our first year of STORC and how it has taken off in the regions, along with some success stories.
10.00-12.00pm
Breaking the ice: Ice breaking activities for any occasion
Gain understanding of the benefits and importance of using icebreakers in team building sessions, training events and meetings. Be introduced to a range of activities, for groups of all sizes and styles and how to facilitate them. Participants will explore icebreakers in a practical and fun environment. Each participant will take away a customised toolkit of activities learned in the session to implement in their own meetings and events.
1.00-2.00pm
STT/WAVED: A patient journey from 000 to an appropriate pathway
A panel discussion showing a patient journey from 000 to an appropriate pathway, focusing on secondary triage and including topics such as primary vs secondary triage, telephonic communication skills, acknowledging biases and appropriate pathways – providing the right care, for the right patient, in the right place at the right time.
1.00-3.00pm
Delivering our values in volunteering
Understand how communication skills play an important part in creating a supportive and caring environment for team members and the community. Learn strategies to promote teamwork and collaboration. Explore the importance of continuous feedback, collaboration and contribution of ideas and innovation. Understand the importance of living the core values and how we hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions and behaviours.
3.00-4.00pm
Mentorloop: A crash course on St John WA’s mentoring program
Explore the Mentorloop platform and learn how to get the most out of it. Understand how mentor/mentee relationships can create insightful learning and develop opportunities. Find mentors and mentees across the state within the St John WA network.
The Breakout Sessions are subject to change. Changes will be reflected on this website.
St John Ball
9 August 2024
- Event Summary
- How to Buy
- Ball FAQ
Win tickets to the Black Tie Ball!
Register for the Conference and forward a copy of your confirmation email and your AP number to theexperience@stjohnwa.com.au with the subject line BALL COMPETITION before Monday 8 July to be in the running for two, free ball tickets.
*T&Cs
- One entry allowed per AP number.
- There are five double passes to be won.
- Emails must detail your AP number and include proof of registration to the Conference.
- Emails must be received before 10am on Monday 8 July.
- Competition will be drawn at random and winners notified by email on Monday 8 July.
Get ready to dance the night away in style!
This year’s secret Black Tie theme will be unveiled on the night of the Ball, so dress in your finest and get ready to be transported somewhere magical.
Tables of 10 are once again available, details on how to order are on the Tickets tab.
See you there!
Date:
Friday 9 August 2024
Time:
7.00pm – Midnight
Venue:
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Bellevue Ballroom
21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
Dress:
Black Tie
Tickets:
$50 per ticket
Your ticket includes a 3-course meal, a range of drinks, and entertainment!
Who can attend:
St John WA & guests
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Tickets to the Black Tie Ball are SOLD OUT.
Missed out on tickets? See the Event Summary tab for the chance to win a tickets to the Black Tie Ball!
How to buy:
- Scroll to select the number of tickets you are going to purchase in this transaction (maximum 10)
- Click “Get Tickets”
- You will be allocated the best available seats available.
- The map will show where your seats are
- White is your seat
- Purple is available
- Grey is sold
- If you would like to change your seats, click “Edit Tickets”
- Unselect the White seat you were allocated, it will go Purple, to show it is available.
- Select a Purple seat you wish to sit in, it will go White
- Click “Checkout”
- Fill out your own details and the details of the people who will be sitting in each seat. If they are your guest. They will use their name, but your AP number. Each AP number can only purchase 2 tickets.
- Click “Register” - you will then be shown a thank you screen and will be emailed your tickets.
- Please bring this to the ball. You do not need to print them. We can scan the QR code on your phone.
Dietary Requirements:
Once you have completed your purchase, please:
- Email: TheExperience@stjohnwa.com.au
- Subject Line: “St John Ball – Dietary Requirements”
- Email Body: Include your name, table number and dietary requirements.
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Frequently asked questions
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Volunteer Awards
8 August 2024
Same appreciation, new presentation.
As an organisation that is highly dependent and immensely proud of our volunteer workforce, our commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the amazing contribution each volunteer makes to their own team, community and the organisation is as strong today as it has always been.
In line with our vision to create a ‘one team’ culture, the Volunteer Awards have been reimagined to make the event a more inclusive and fun experience for all.
In 2024, the awards will take pride of place within the main conference program of The Experience, so that the whole organisation, not just family and peers, can see and celebrate the award recipients! And as always, two guests are invited for the occasion.
Additionally, in the spirit of camaraderie, awards will be presented by region, so that whole teams can share the stage, the limelight, and the love.
We are pleased to share this year's award recipient honour roll!
Date:
8 August 2024
Time:
2.30pm onwards
Venue:
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
BelleVue Ballroom
21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
New Uniform Experience
7 - 10 August 2024
Book your session to try on the new operational uniform via the link below.
Sessions are 20 minutes.
Find out more about the New Operational Uniform on Connect here.
How to get to the Experience
- Venue
- Getting to PCEC
- Travel & Accommodation
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)
21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
Click Here for more details.
The Experience will be held in the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and virtually.
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is easily accessible no matter which option you choose to get there
Parking
City of Perth Convention Centre Car Park
There are approximately 5,000 car parking bays within a 10-minute walk of PCEC.
The City of Perth Convention Centre Car Park is located directly underneath.
Access:
via Mill St, Mounts Bay Rd, or Riverside Dr off-ramp from Mitchell Freeway
Payment:
Cash, Credit Card, or City of Perth Parking Card
Centre Access:
Direct access to PCEC during opening hours via central foyer lift and staircases
For further information on City of Perth parking visit: www.cityofperthparking.com.au.
Train
Elizabeth Quay Train Station is located at the doorstep of PCEC and services the Mandurah and Joondalup railway lines. Other train stations within close proximity of PCEC include:
- Perth Underground Station (Mandurah and Joondalup railway line) located on the corner of William Street and Murray Street Mall.
- Perth Central Station (Armadale / Thornlie, Fremantle, and Midland railway lines) located along Wellington Street (across from Forrest Place).
- An underground walkway connects the Perth Central Station to the Perth Underground Station.
Bus
Elizabeth Quay Bus Station is located adjacent to PCEC. Many bus services depart and arrive at the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station including the free CBD ‘Blue and Green CAT’ service. Perth’s other major bus station is the Wellington Street Bus Station, located along Wellington Street next to the Perth Central Train Station.
Ferry
A ferry service operates across the Swan River between Elizabeth Quay Jetty (Perth) and Mends Street Jetty (South Perth). Elizabeth Quay Jetty is only a short walk to PCEC. Services operate daily from 7.45am to 8.00pm (extended times operate on weekdays and during the Summer months).
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Welcome to Perth
Welcome to those that are visiting Perth for the St John WA Experience.
If you're looking for fun things to do in Perth, check out Perth is Ok for restaurant, bar and event recommendations.
If you are needing assistance with booking travel for you or your team, please get in touch with the Corporate Travel team-fill out the Travel request form on the connect page and email to travel@stjohnwa.com.au
SPECIAL OFFERS
St John Experience attendees have access to the below discounts when booked directly through the links or codes provided.
Thank you to our hotel partners.
Parmelia Hilton Perth
14 Mill Street, Perth
Located 230m walk from PCEC with direct undercover access from the hotel.
Book via the link below by Friday 19 July for stays between 7th and 10th August 2024 - discount rate $270 per night.
Nesuto Mounts Bay
- 112 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
Located 500m walk from PCEC.
12.5% Discount off Best Available Rate. For stays between 4th and 12th August 2024.
Or use discount code: SJA24
QT Perth
- 133 Murray Street, Perth
Located 1.1 km walk from PCEC.
15% Discount off the Best Available Rate when booked for stays between 7th and 10th August 2024.
The Melbourne Hotel
- 08 9320 3333
- 33 Milligan Street, Perth
Located 700m walk or 3 min drive from PCEC.
15% discount when booked via the link below for stays between 7th to 10th August 2024.
Rydges Perth King Square
- 08 9483 9600
- 621 Wellington Street, Perth
Located 1km walk or 7 min drive from PCEC.
20% discount off best flexible rate for stays between 7th August and 10th August.
Airport Transport
There are many convenient options to get you where you need to go from the Perth Airport. You can view transport options, including public transport, taxi, and rideshare. And also view the airport maps.
Accommodation
There are several hotels within walking distance of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). Please see the PCEC accommodation options flyer for nearby hotels. Please note the hotels in this list that aren't mentioned above, don't have discounts for St John WA.
For more information on the Experience, please get in touch with the Events team.
Why attend the Experience
Connecting: The St John Experience is the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues all across the state, from all different specialities within the organisation.
Knowledge and education: The St John Experience provides an opportunity for attendees to hear new ideas and learn new skills in a different environment.
Inspiration and motivation: Attending gives you a chance to hear from various departments and special guest speakers on topics that are relevant and inspiring.
Accessing resources & tools: Attending the Experience will give you the opportunity to explore tools, technologies, and the resources available to you as a St John team member in a fun and informative way.
Countdown to the 2024 Experience
Stay up to date with latest event information or get in touch:
Experience Event Calendar
Event Partners
Prize Donors
