St John (NSW) chief Mark Newton and regional superintendent Chris Chant get into the opening spirit. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
ST John Ambulance opened its new headquarters in Kiewa Street yesterday after years of relying on the generosity of clubs such as the SS and A.
The building, south of Hume Street, has a display area, meeting room and two training rooms.
Southern region superintendent Chris Chant said it was great to finally have a home.
“We are very relieved to have achieved our goal of a permanent home for our volunteers,” he said.
“This has been a major project over five years, which has seen hundreds of first aid classes conducted by volunteer trainers, and a massive amount of work to bring it all together.”
Mr Chant said the city’s unit had outgrown its previous sites with the growth of its volunteering and public first aid training.
“We were at the Air Force Cadet centre at the Albury Airport for nine years and the SS and A club for a short time,” he said.
St John (NSW) regional training centre co-ordinator Helen Chant said the permanent training centre would bring benefits all the community.
“We are pleased to now be in one centralised facility in Kiewa Street where we can better meet the needs of both our volunteers and members of the public,” she said.
“Our volunteers can meet and train for events and everyone can find out about courses, purchase kits and learn first aid with St John.”
St John Ambulance (NSW) chief executive officer Mark Newton flew from Sydney to attend the opening.
“It’s a tremendous facility and will make a great contribution to the Albury community,” he said.
“It is important we promote the training for first aid.
“People in the workplace and at home are encouraged to learn and be able to use it should a situation arise.”