New Onslow St John centre boosts capability

A new $2 million St John sub centre and first aid training facility opened in Onslow last week. The 1700sqm facility on McGrath Avenue will be used for ambulance services, volunteer training and public first aid courses. It features a drive-through four-bay garage, a respite area for volunteers and staff, a big training room for volunteers and first aid training, two dedicated quiet rooms and a barbecue area. The new facility is a boon for St John Onslow, which carries out more than 150 jobs each year and counts 26 volunteers on its books. St John country operations head Justin Fonte said the new space was warmly welcomed by the community of staff and volunteers. “The new sub centre’s dedicated training areas and modern fit-out will allow for large numbers of volunteers and members of the public to be trained in first aid, building a safer and more resilient community,” he said. “We’re so pleased to see our volunteers continuing to do amazing work in regional areas. We hope that through these facilities we can encourage social connection within the community.”