For 50 years, Anne Fogarty has been a dedicated volunteer with St John Ambulance Victoria, giving her time, expertise and care to communities across Victoria. Her remarkable milestone is not only a celebration of longevity, but of the thousands of lives she has touched through a lifetime of service.

Having joined St John Ambulance Victoria in 1976, Anne has witnessed significant change over the decades. From evolving first aid practices to growing community expectations, much has transformed, but one thing has remained constant: her commitment to helping others.

A Journey That Started with Family

Anne's connection to St John began as a teenager.

Her mother, a nurse, spotted an advertisement for a first aid course in the local paper. Eager to learn, Anne discovered she was too young to join the adult division, so she signed up as a cadet instead.

She never left.

Over the years, she has been supported by her family, fellow volunteers, trainers and mentors who helped shape her journey and foster a lifelong passion for community service.

The People Who Keep Her Coming Back

Ask Anne what has kept her volunteering for five decades and her answer is immediate.

"The people."

"I've made lifelong friends through St John. It's like being part of an extended family."

Those friendships have become one of the defining parts of her experience. Whether working alongside members from her own division or meeting volunteers from across Victoria, Anne says it is the sense of connection and belonging that makes St John special.

For her, volunteering has always been about more than attending events or delivering first aid. It is about working together, supporting one another and sharing in a common purpose.

The Patient Anne Never Forgot

Across 50 years of volunteering, Anne has supported countless people at community events, sporting matches and major public gatherings. But the person she remembers most wasn't a critically ill patient or a dramatic emergency.

It was a woman she met after the Pope's Mass at Flemington Racecourse many years ago.

The weather had turned wet and windy, and the woman was struggling to make her way up a hill to reach public transport. She didn't require first aid treatment. She wasn't looking for medical assistance.

She simply needed help getting to the tram stop.

Anne arranged transport for her, ensuring she could get home safely.

Looking back, it remains one of the moments that has stayed with her throughout her volunteering journey.

"That taught me that the simplest things can be the most important."

The experience became a reminder that caring for others often extends beyond clinical skills. Sometimes, making a difference means recognising a need, stepping forward and helping in whatever way you can.

More Than First Aid

Throughout her volunteer career, Anne has supported countless members of the public and helped create the welcoming and supportive culture for which St John is known.

Her knowledge, encouragement and willingness to share her experience have benefited generations of volunteers, many of whom have looked to her for guidance as they begin their own journeys.

For Anne, the most rewarding moments have always come from helping others, whether that means assisting a patient, supporting fellow members or mentoring newer volunteers.

A Legacy of Service

The longevity of volunteers like Anne reflects the unique culture of St John Ambulance Victoria. While many people join to learn lifesaving skills and give back to their communities, they often gain much more in return.

Volunteers build friendships, develop confidence, grow as leaders and become trusted members of their local communities.

Anne's 50-year journey is a powerful example of what sustained community service can achieve. Her contribution has left a lasting impact not only on St John Ambulance Victoria, but also on the many volunteers and community members whose lives she has touched along the way.

As she celebrates this extraordinary milestone, Anne remains focused on the future.

She hopes to continue contributing, supporting others and staying involved for many years to come.

After 50 years of service, her story reminds us that volunteering is not measured only by the emergencies responded to or the hours contributed. Often, its greatest impact can be found in small acts of kindness that help someone when they need it most.

Thank you, Anne, for 50 years of service, friendship and support. St John Ambulance Victoria is proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement and the difference you have made to our organisation and the communities we serve.

Watch Anne's interview below: