The St John Hokonui Cadet Prizegiving and Service Awards was held in the Gore RSA last week, celebrating both young up-and-comers and stalwarts of the service.
Hokonui area committee chairwoman Wendy Goodwin, who emceed the event, said the most important part of the night was giving awards to the young cadets, who were "marvellous".
"They are the future of St John," she said.
Some of the cadets were as young as 6. Tasman Bailey was given two badges and three trophies, and they all marched for the audience.
Six senior operations staff, including a health shuttle driver, a paramedic and a telehealth representative were given their Five Years’ Service certificates.
The senior awards are signed by King Charles and most of the winners on the night were volunteers, Mrs Goodwin said.
It was reported previously that Pauline Buchanan, of Gore, was to be honoured as Dame of the Order of St John.
Mrs Goodwin said they were very proud of Dame Buchanan, because she had started off as a cadet in Mataura and had risen to the highest St John award.
The dame was also awarded for 15 years of service at last week’s ceremony and Riversdale Station first responder Erin Hurley was recognised for 25 years of service.
It was good to recognise the younger ones for their "dedication and tenacity" in achieving their badges, Mrs Goodwin said.
Achieving as cadets improved their confidence and gave them invaluable skills, she said.
In the past, first-aid skills learned by cadets had helped save lives, one cadet saving their own mother from choking with what they had learned in the programme.
Hokonui youth division manager Michaela Kelly was stepping down to go on maternity leave next year, and some new leaders had come on board, Mrs Goodwin said.
It was also looking for new cadets.
If children wanted to join for next year, the St John office in Gore was who to contact, she said.
