St John Parap Youth are proud to host a 20-hour Wakeathon at a St John Ambulance station in Darwin, bringing together young people for a powerful and purposeful overnight experience. This unique event challenges participants to stay awake together, not simply as a test of endurance, but as a meaningful commitment to raising awareness about bullying and its profound impact on young people across our communities.
Throughout the 20 hours, youth members will engage in interactive workshops, open group discussions, creative brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities designed to deepen their understanding of bullying — including its causes, warning signs, long-term effects, and the role bystanders can play. Participants will explore topics such as cyberbullying, peer pressure, mental health impacts, and strategies for building resilience and self-confidence. By creating a safe and supportive environment, the Wakeathon encourages young people to share personal experiences, listen to one another with empathy, and learn practical ways to foster kindness, respect, and inclusion.
The event is structured to be both educational and empowering. As the hours progress, participants will collaborate to design actionable initiatives that can be implemented in schools, youth groups, and the wider Darwin community. These may include peer-support programs, awareness campaigns, school presentations, social media initiatives, and community events that promote positive behaviour and standing up against bullying. By the end of the Wakeathon, the group aims to produce clear, achievable action plans that reflect the voices and ideas of local young people.
This initiative reflects St John Parap Youth’s ongoing commitment to leadership, community service, and developing confident, compassionate young leaders. As members of a youth organisation dedicated to first aid, service, and community wellbeing, participants understand the importance of caring for others — not only physically, but emotionally and socially as well. The Wakeathon reinforces that caring for our community also means addressing issues that affect young people’s mental health and sense of belonging.
As part of this event, St John Parap Youth have chosen to donate funds raised to Dolly's Dream. Dolly’s Dream was established in memory of Dolly Everett and works to prevent bullying, particularly cyberbullying, through education, support, and direct assistance to families and schools. We have chosen to support Dolly’s Dream because their mission aligns closely with the purpose of our Wakeathon — to create safer, kinder communities where young people feel supported and empowered.
Dolly’s Dream provides vital resources, workshops, and crisis support services that help young Australians and their families navigate the challenges of bullying. By donating to this organisation, St John Parap Youth are extending the impact of the Wakeathon beyond our local event in Darwin. Our contribution will help fund preventative education programs and provide support to those affected by bullying nationwide, ensuring that the message of kindness and standing up for one another reaches even further.
Through this 20-hour Wakeathon, St John Parap Youth are not only raising awareness — they are taking action. By combining education, collaboration, endurance, and fundraising, the event demonstrates the power of young people to lead change, support one another, and actively build a more respectful and inclusive future for all.
