St John NT honours top paramedics and volunteers at excellence awards

From teenage volunteers to 35-year veterans, St John NT's finest lifesavers have been honoured for their extraordinary dedication to keeping Territorians safe.

Rhys Dowell has been named paramedic of the year.

Paramedics, staff and volunteers of St John NT have been recognised as role models within their profession and community at a special event at Parliament House on Wednesday.

The St John NT 2025 Excellence Awards recognised the work of those across the organisations demonstrating excellence in leadership or clinical practice while providing an outstanding level of care, professionalism and compassion for members of the Northern Territory community.

Darwin paramedic Rhys Dowell OAM was awarded the Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise Paramedic of the Year Award.

The judges commended Mr Dowell for his ability to remain calm and offer clear guidance in high-pressure situations, supporting staff and volunteers while ensuring patient care remained the top priority.

They said his presence reassured teams, maintained morale, and inspired confidence, even during complex incidents or large-scale events.

The awards also recognised the enormous contribution of Craig Garraway and Michael McKay, who had each been with St John NT for 35 years.

“I am so proud of our staff and volunteers for what they do each and every day,” St John NT chief executive Andrew Tombs said.

“Our staff and volunteers are committed to helping people in their time of need or providing them with the skills and confidence to know what to do in an emergency. No matter the role in the organisation, everyone understands that we are here to help.”

St John NT chief executive Andrew Tombs. Picture: Supplied

All the St John NT 2025 Excellence Awards winners

• Junior Volunteer of the Year – Isobella Murrell (Palmerston)
• Youth Volunteer of the Year – Stella Allen (Palmerston)
• Adult Volunteer of the Year – Grace Johnstone (Palmerston)
• Operational Support Member of the Year – Makaylia Ravlich (Darwin)
• Youth Division of the Year – Darwin Youth Division (Darwin)
• Adult Division of the Year – Alice Springs Adult Division (Alice Springs)
• Excellence in Education and First Aid Training – Tahlia Waters (Darwin)
• Excellence in Commercial and Support Services – Patrick Carew (Darwin)
• Safety and Wellbeing Champion – Ricky Walker (Darwin)
• Essence of St John Award – Paul Pulleine (Darwin)
• Clinical Excellence Award Emergency Medical Dispatch – Eamon Kelly (Darwin)
• Clinical Excellence Award Patient Transport Services – Jo Bigwood (Darwin)
• Clinical Excellence Award Intern Paramedic – Laura Riseley (Alice Springs)
• Paramedic of the Year – Northern Region – David Beck (Darwin)
• Paramedic of the Year – Southern Region – Elyse Taylor-Jackson (Alice Springs)
• Paramedic of the Year – Rhys Dowell (Darwin)
• 35 Years of Service – Craig Garraway (Darwin)
• 35 Years of Service – Michael McKay (Darwin)

Originally published as St John NT honours top paramedics and volunteers at excellence awards