What is the St John Australian Youth Advisory Network?
The Australian Youth Advisory Network (AYAN) is St John Ambulance Australia’s primary body for communicating and consulting with young Members aged 12–26 years, and representing their views.[/vc_column_text]
[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″]Why AYAN?
By connecting with young people, the AYAN can gain insight into how to promote a first aid culture in Australia and generate innovative ideas to contribute to a vibrant and sustainable organisation. Young people have a great deal to offer organisations like St John and we want to share their ideas, innovation and feedback with decision makers.[/vc_column_text]
[vc_column_text]Who is AYAN for?
AYAN is for all young Members. Whether you are an adult Member, paramedic, other paid staff member or involved in the St John Youth program, we want to hear from you![/vc_column_text]
Policy Positions
Here are our current policy positions.[/vc_column_text]
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Youth Participation
View Now [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner]
The Team

Matt Orton
Team Leader
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Matt joined St John in 2008 and has been heavily involved with the youth movement ever since. When not volunteering with St John, he is an Allied Health Assistant at Goulburn Health Services, at the gym or out taking some photos. He is also a massive fan of Grey’s Anatomy![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″]
Michael Andrews
Marketing, Communications & Events Coordinator
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Michael joined St John in the UK in 2005, before moving to Australia in 2012. Michael has held various roles at different levels in the organisation, but what he loves most is working with young people. Extremely passionate about engaging with and supporting the development of young people, Michael wants to influence them so they can shape the future of the organsiation. When not volunteering, he’s studying Paramedic Science.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″]
Daniel Lightowler
Research Coordinator
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Daniel is the Research Coordinator for the St John Australian Youth Advisory Network. Originating from WA, where he currently holds the Position of Volunteer Training Manager to Rockingham, Daniel has been a member of St John for 12 years. In his professional life he is a Registered Nurse and works as a Specialist Nurse in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at St John of God Hospital Subiaco. Daniel also holds a research position at the University of Western Australia within the Medical School. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Masters in Health Professions Education, with a thesis focusing on Inter-professional learning. Daniel has recently been appointed the WA State Representative to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurses Australia Steering Committee and has held the position of Secretary to the Society of Urological Nurses WA.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″]
Eliza Geraghty
Ambassador Program Coordinator
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Eliza is the Ambassador Program Coordinator with St John AYAN. She began as a Youth Member in 2013 and is now a Youth Leader for St Monica’s College Youth Division in Victoria.Eliza is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work.
Outside of volunteering with St John Ambulance, Eliza enjoys travelling, reading and watching medical TV shows.”[/vc_column_text]
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Thomas Sugget
Deputy Team Leader
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Thomas is the Deputy Team Leader of AYAN, having formally held the role of Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator and has been involved with St John Event Health Services since 2012.Professionally, Thomas is a Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional working in the mining sector, holding a Bachelor of Business, a Master of Management and a Master of Laws.
Outside of his passion for increased youth participation within the organisation, Thomas is actively involved within the Australian heraldic and genealogical communities.[/vc_column_text]
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