St John Ambulance chief executive Matt Cannon bids farewell after a decade of service

St John Ambulance chief executive Matt Cannon (Image: Supplied)

After a decade of transformative leadership, the Chief Executive of St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea, Matt Cannon, has officially stepped down from his role, marking the end of an era for the life-saving organisation.

In an emotional farewell message shared on his social media page, the outgoing CE cited personal reasons for his decision, primarily to be closer to his four-year-old daughter in Australia.

"The distance and limited time together has been incredibly challenging for both Sarah and me," he posted on Facebook.

Appointed in 2015, Cannon leaves behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and inclusivity. When he began his tenure, St John PNG had only 28 staff and two operational ambulances. Now, the national ambulance service boasts over 350 employees, more than 70 ambulances, and operates from nine stations across the country, responding to more than 40,000 emergency calls annually.

St John’s infrastructure has also expanded dramatically under his leadership. A state-of-the-art National Ambulance Operations Centre now coordinates nationwide dispatch from a central hub, supported by a digital radio network. In a groundbreaking move for the region, ambulances are now being custom-built in PNG to suit the country’s rugged conditions, creating jobs and improving service reliability.

State-of-the-art National Ambulance Operations Centre in Port Moresby *(Image: Supplied)*

Beyond emergency services, the organisation has redefined first aid training in PNG, with a strong focus on locally relevant, practical instruction. In 2024 alone, over 20,000 Papua New Guineans were trained in emergency response, with 15,000 receiving free training thanks to generous donor support.

“Real training for real people, saving lives in real conditions,” he said, describing the program that spans from taxi drivers to hospital clinicians.

Under his stewardship, St John has also become a model of diversity and empowerment. Women now comprise over 60% of the executive leadership team and 80% of the organisation’s most advanced clinicians.

“What I am most proud of is that this hasn’t come from any targeted action, but through real merit,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Cannon expressed particular pride in the development of local talent.

“I’ve had the joy of seeing hundreds of young Papua New Guineans grow within this organisation. That’s what I am most proud of. Their growth is the legacy,” he said, adding that one of his final official duties was addressing cadets in the newly launched ambulance-specific youth program.

Cadets going through training session *(Image: Supplied)*

The organisation will now be led by Dr Arabella Koliwan, who has been appointed Interim Chief Executive. Dr Koliwan, a respected emergency physician, is supported by a strong executive team including Dr Mangu Kendino [Executive Medical Director and Deputy Commissioner], Ronnie Pomat [Council Secretary and Chief of Staff], Diana Mape [Ambulance Staff Officer], Cathy Salayau [CFO], Terence Torea [Executive Director Ambulance Operations].

He also paid tribute to retiring Council members Dame Jean Kekedo and Mr Peter Lowing, calling them ‘two great Papua New Guineans who embody what it means to be a St John person’.

The outgoing chief executive reassured stakeholders that the organisation remains in safe, strong and capable hands and confirmed he will continue to support the leadership transition in a voluntary executive advisory capacity.

“This is not the end, but a moment of change,” he said. “PNG is my family, and it is always in my heart.”

He attained permanent residency in Papua New Guinea in 2022 and hopes to remain connected to the country and the organisation in years to come.