St John NT celebrates Darwin Youth Division’s 70th anniversary

For Chloe Ferguson, serving the community has not only given her lifelong skills, but a deep sense of joy. Read why she has spent more than half her life volunteering.

Chloe Ferguson (front) has volunteered for most of the her life. Picture: Supplied.

For Darwin’s Chloe Ferguson, serving the community has not only given her lifelong skills, but a deep sense of joy.

The 20-year-old Territorian has been involved in the St John youth program since she was eight years old, from which she has gained confidence and leadership qualities beyond her years.

“I really enjoy volunteering, giving back to the community and gaining new skills that have benefits to all aspects of my life,” she said.

“As a youth member I have had the opportunity be an Ambassador for NT Youth Week, and Palmerston Youth Week, along with opportunities to lead youth members as part of national competitions across Australia.”

Alongside almost 200 youth members spread across the Territory, Chloe devotes her spare time and energy into the Darwin Youth Division, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last month.

In 1959, the Darwin Youth Division grew to 16 members. Picture: Supplied.

St John NT volunteer commissioner Warren Purse said the anniversary was a chance to celebrate the division’s proud legacy, as well as the Territory’s up-and-coming youngsters, such as Chloe, who are willing to serve.

“Under the leadership of several dedicated Divisional Superintendents over the years, the Darwin Youth Division has flourished into what it is today — one of our strongest, largest, and most vibrant divisions,” he said.

“From humble beginnings, today we have 175 youth members under the age of 18 across seven divisions throughout the Northern Territory, with our youth recently receiving national recognition, when the team from the Territory was crowned winners of the National Cadet Competition last year.”

Youth members taking part in ceremonial duties. Picture: Supplied.

According to Volunteering Australia, almost 30 per cent of Australians aged between 18 and 24 volunteered formally through an organisation or group in 2023 – a significant comeback from the Covid-era in which the same age bracket dipped below 25 per cent.

With St John’s youth program focused on providing young people leadership opportunities and proficiency courses, Mr Purse said Darwin’s Youth Division had value-added to the region through the generations.

“These experiences not only prepare members with life-skills for the challenges ahead but also set the foundation for them to take on future roles in the community,” he said.

“We congratulate the Darwin Youth Division on their 70th Anniversary and hope it continues to grow, inspire, and thrive for many more years to come.”