Melissa ‘Mel’ Northcott joined the St John Ambulance Armadale Cadet Division as a Junior in 1996. She was promoted to Corporal in 2002, Sergeant in 2003 and Cadet Leader in 2004. In 2006 she became the Divisional Public Events Coordinator and in 2007 the Uniforms Coordinator. As a member of the Division she completed a series of senior first aid training courses, courses for non-commissioned officers and programs of training in drug and alcohol management and child protection. She also undertook the inaugural St John Chancellor’s Youth Leadership Development program in 2006-2007.
Because of suffering Cerebral Palsy, in 2005 Mel became an affiliate (non-operational) member of the First Aid Services Branch but served as a member of the St John Western Australian Youth Council (2006-2008). From 2008, Mel served for four years on the Australian Youth Council in the portfolio position of Research Development Coordinator, her special interest being strategy and policy and inclusiveness for people with disability. In 2011 she again became a member of the Western Australian Youth Council. Mel currently serves on the St John WA Access Inclusion Advisory Group to ensure that the organisation evolves and serves and training for all within the community. She also actively fundraises for the St John Eye Hospital Group.
In addition to her St John involvements, Mel works as an advocate for people with disability. She has been a Board Director having served 10 years on Ability WA, six years on state boards and is currently a Board Member within Education Sector and working in Local Government for over 20 years.
Among other honours and distinctions, Mel was awarded Associate Fellow of Royal Commonwealth Society; the St John Grand Prior’s Badge in 2002 and received the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2006. In 2009 Mel received the first Bronze St John Southern Cross Award. In 2010 she was admitted as a Member of the Order of St John becoming one of the youngest Australian members of the Order.
