Each year, more than 870 women from across Queensland volunteer for St John Ambulance (Qld). This year, the organisation is thanking the women who contribute so much, including local Redcliffe resident, Tanya Cuffe.
International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March, is an opportunity to recognise the great achievements of women in the community.
Each year, more than 870 women from across Queensland volunteer for St John Ambulance (Qld). This year, the organisation is thanking the women who contribute so much, including local Redcliffe resident, Tanya Cuffe.
Tanya, 30, is the Divisional Manager for the Moreton Bay Division, which caters for the Redcliffe, Sandgate, Deception Bay, North Lakes and Petrie areas. Tanya is also a devoted wife and loving mother of three young children.
Tanya joined St John (Qld) in 2008 after finishing grade 12 and speaking to some first aid volunteers at an event she attended.
“My family have always been big on volunteering, then I realised I could use my interest in the medical field, expand my knowledge and help the community all at the same time,” she said.
Tanya said being a part of St John was like having an extended family and said the response from casualties at events is her greatest reward.
“Whether I put a magic band aid on a child, or utilise my skills in a more acute manner, the outcome is still the same – on a day when someone was not at their best, I was able to help; that is pretty rewarding and special in itself.”
St John (Qld) Community Services General Manager Noel Gillard said the contribution from all women in the organisation provided a great mix of passionate, caring and understanding volunteers.
“The women in our organisation are such a highly energetic, passionate and driven group of people who contribute approximately 80,500 voluntary hours to the Queensland community each year. With their support, St John (Qld) gave $4.6 million of voluntary support to Queenslanders in 2014, ranging from first aid and disaster assistance as well as social support services.”
Tanya said she appreciated each and every single word of thanks from the public.
“Recently I was travelling interstate and wearing my St John shirt – a security guard stopped me and said ‘thank you – I see St John volunteers everywhere and I think you are all amazing.’
Photo ops and interviews are available upon request.
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Media contact: Angela Madden on (07) 3253 0579.