Melissa reflects on 28 years of volunteering with the St John Ambulance

The tax accountant from the Sutherland Shire has been a volunteer at the Kiama Combined Division for the past 28 years.

She was invited to go along with a friend and has not looked back.

The division's coverage has meant she has been at different events in the Highlands such as Brigadoon, Winterfest and a billy cart derbies at Tudor House.

"I just like the people at Kiama," the acting officer in charge said.

"They're really good to work with."

Her roles over the years have included divisional superintendent, an operations manager liaising events, secretarial positions and training.

It was "completely different" to what she does day-to-day she said, and has been a way to meet people she would otherwise not.

"I've met a lot of people I probably would have never come in contact with and I've made some good friends," she said.

It is also the way she met her partner.

She encouraged others to volunteer for the organisation regardless of their professional backgrounds, and said it was also an opportunity for health students to get experience.

The accountant is one of 2800 volunteers who give their time across NSW through the SJA.

Those interested in volunteering can go to stjohnnsw.com.au/volunteering.

The division meets every Wednesday night at the Kiama SES unit's hall from 7pm to 9pm.