St John First Aid training centres were established in Australia in the late 19th century.

In 1987, the organisation adopted a single public title, "St John Ambulance Australia".

St John Ambulance Australia has three main branches, with each one having its own specific area of operation.

Events covered by St. John Australia include sports, such as the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, where a team of 500 members treated over 3000 casualties.

[5] South Australia now engages approximately 200 full time and casual staff providing event health and medical services.

In South Australia both volunteer and salaried staff wear the NHS style green uniform (as used in St John New Zealand).

These activities range from assisting disadvantaged youth, to providing voluntary transport and support programs for the frail and elderly.

St John leadership training programs are not the only way that a member can be recognised for promotion to officer.

The youth program in Australia, focuses on developing young people in a variety of aspects.

There is a designated training program for youth and cadet divisions[11] Youth members within Event and Emergency First Aid Service programs attend public duties to provide first aid at various events to members of the public.

These duties include things such as: Big Day Out, Royal Easter Show (NSW), National Folk Festival (ACT), AFL Games (All AFL states), NRL, Super 12, and Rugby Union games, amongst other popular events.

In most states, new youth members (minimum age 14) will be put through a Senior First Aid Course (SFA) free of charge.

Broadly, youth councils provide guidance to St John on issues affecting the organisation and its future development, particularly concerning the opinion and interests of young people.

The AYC Chair also sits as a full member of the National Board of Directors for St John Ambulance Australia.