For the Oxford family, St John Ambulance Victoria isn’t just an organisation they volunteer with, it’s been part of their family story for generations.

Recently recognised at the 2026 St John Ambulance Victoria Volunteer Awards, held at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne, Tony, Brenda and Jaimee Oxford were honoured for their remarkable commitment to supporting their community and helping others when it matters most.

Together, their story spans 80 years of service and reflects the powerful impact volunteering can have on individuals, families and communities alike.

A Family Tradition of Service

For Tony Oxford, St John has been woven into the fabric of family life for as long as he can remember.

A member for 50 years, Tony joined St John Ambulance Victoria as a 12-year-old cadet and has dedicated much of his life to serving communities across Victoria. Today, he serves as Senior Manager for Emergency Management and Portland Division Manager.

Over the years, his passion for helping others inspired those closest to him to get involved too.

“My mum, my brother and sister all joined, and now my wife is a member too; she’s just received her 20-year award. My daughter is our Clinical Services Manager and celebrated her 10-year award today,” Tony said.

“It’s something we’ve shared as a family. They saw what it meant to me and wanted to be part of it too.”

What began with one young cadet has grown into a multi-generational family legacy built on compassion, community and care.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

Tony still remembers his very first St John duty half a century ago.

“My first duty as a cadet was during the Queen’s visit to Darwin. I was part of the first aid team following her during a walk, and I was only 12,” he said.

While the events and responsibilities have changed over the years, one thing has remained constant: the sense of belonging.

“The best part about being in St John is the people you work alongside and being part of that community,” Tony said.

“It’s not just about what you give, it’s what you get back. The experience, skills and support you gain can shape your whole career and life.”

His dedication was recognised at this year's Volunteer Awards with a Bronze Commendation for his leadership and commitment during Victoria’s 2022 flood emergency response, where he played a vital role supporting communities affected by crisis.

For Brenda Oxford, volunteering with St John became a natural extension of family life.

Recognised this year for 20 years of service, Brenda joined while raising a young family, at a time when three of her children were St John cadets.

“It just became part of our lives,” she said.

Like many St John families, volunteering became something they did together, spending time supporting their community while creating lasting memories and friendships along the way.

For daughter Jaimee Oxford, St John has never been something she discovered later in life; it has always been there.

Now Senior Manager of Clinical Services at St John Ambulance Victoria, Jaimee has spent the past decade building her own path within the organisation while continuing the family tradition of service.

“I was basically born into this organisation,” she said.

“My dad likes to say my first job was at about one and a half, distracting patients at a car crash while he was responding.”

While the story brings a smile, it also reflects the deep connection the Oxford family shares with St John.

“It’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Jaimee said.

“It’s not just about giving back; it’s about finding your community and making a real difference.”

More Than Volunteering

The Oxford family’s story highlights something many St John volunteers experience, volunteering is about more than providing first aid or supporting events.

It’s about building connections, learning new skills, finding purpose and becoming part of a community that looks after one another.

St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright said the family demonstrates the organisation’s values.

“The Oxford family embodies the spirit of St John: compassion, service and community,” he said.

“We are incredibly proud to recognise their contributions and the difference they continue to make.”

Inspired to Get Involved?

Across Victoria, more than 2,000 St John volunteers dedicate their time to helping keep communities safe, providing first aid at events and sharing lifesaving skills with others.

For Tony, after five decades of service, the message is simple.

“If I had one piece of advice, it’s to learn first aid and consider volunteering with St John,” he said.

“It’s incredibly rewarding; you take home more than you give.”

The Oxford family’s journey shows how a single decision to volunteer can shape not only one life, but generations to come.

Watch their interviews below: