As we celebrate Youth Volunteer Week, we are shining a spotlight on the young people who give their time, skills and passion to help others across Victoria.

One of those remarkable volunteers is Abbey, a 19-year-old St John volunteer who has been recognised at the First Aid Champion Awards 2026 as the recipient of the St John Volunteer Champion Award.

Her journey with St John started when she was only 15-year-old, in the Youth Program, following the footsteps of family members, who were already part of the team, and she’s never looked back.

Abbey's award recognises more than her commitment to volunteering. It honours her calm, courage and willingness to step forward when someone needed help most.

“I don’t doubt that this (commitment) is a mixture of my family, and being at St John, surrounded by these amazing people in St John Ambulance, and learning at such young age the impact of first aid.”

A day at the beach that changed everything

What started as a day at the beach quickly turned into an emergency when Abbey noticed that a man had been pulled from the water.

Without hesitation, Abbey identified herself as a St John volunteer and rushed to assist. “At the time, I was part of the youth with St John, so I was running through my mind of what I could do to help and if I could be of help.”

The man was pale, barely responsive and lying on his back in the sand. Drawing on her first aid training, Abbey quickly assessed the situation and, with help from nearby bystanders, carefully rolled him into the recovery position.

Almost immediately, he began vomiting significant amounts of seawater.

Remaining calm under pressure, Abbey monitored his condition while providing updates to the Triple Zero (000) call-taker. Although the man could initially communicate only through grunts, he gradually became more responsive and began speaking as he regained consciousness.

Concerned about his condition, Abbey continued to closely monitor him for any changes.

As colour slowly returned to his lips and hands, his condition improved. By the time paramedics and police arrived, he was able to sit up and communicate more comfortably. Abbey provided a thorough handover to emergency services before quietly heading home.

Making a difference when it matters most

It was later revealed that the man was an overseas tourist with limited English who had become caught in notoriously unpredictable surf conditions and swept out to sea.

For his family, what could have been a devastating outcome ended very differently thanks to Abbey's preparedness, first aid knowledge and willingness to act.

Her story shows that emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, and that the skills gained through first aid training and volunteering can make a life-changing difference.

Celebrating Youth Volunteer Week

Youth Volunteer Week is a chance to recognise the incredible contribution young volunteers make to communities across Victoria every day.

Abbey's actions demonstrate the compassion, confidence and leadership that young people bring to volunteering. Through their dedication, St John youth volunteers not only support events and communities across the state but also develop skills that enable them to step up when it matters most.

Congratulations to Abbey on being named the 2026 St John Volunteer Champion. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for the difference she continues to make in the lives of others.

Interested in becoming a St John volunteer? Whether you are looking to learn life-saving skills, make new friends or give back to your community, volunteering with St John Ambulance Victoria can help you make a real impact. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities today.

Watch Abbey's video below: