Group Captain (AAFC) Stephen Johns ASM

Stephen Johns ASM commenced his involvement in youth aviation and leadership when he joined the Queensland Air Training Corps (QAIRTC) as a cadet in 1979 at 15 Flight, located at Cavendish Road State High School in Brisbane.

During his cadet service, Stephen developed a strong passion for aviation and leadership. He was an active member of the QAIRTC band and participated extensively in aviation training activities, learning to fly and achieving his first solo flight before obtaining his driver’s licence. He later went on to obtain his Restricted Pilot Licence.

In 1984, Stephen transitioned to staff as an Instructor of Cadets and has since held a wide range of leadership and instructional appointments. These have included roles as Squadron Training Officer and Commanding Officer, before moving to 2 Wing Headquarters in 2010 as a Regional Executive Officer.

Stephen has continued to serve in several key Wing Headquarters roles including 2 Wing Executive Officer and Staff Officer Community Engagement. In July 2021 he was appointed Officer Commanding 2 Wing, where he continued to support and lead the development of cadets and volunteers across the Wing. He was appointment as the Commander Australian Air Force Cadets in December 2022.

Alongside his cadet service, Stephen pursued a career dedicated to helping others. In 1985 he joined the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) as an Honorary Ambulance Officer at Beenleigh, beginning what would become a lifelong career in emergency services.

Stephen has served the people of Queensland for over 40 years with the now Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) as an Advanced Care Paramedic. Throughout his career he has worked in numerous communities across the state and held a variety of operational and executive roles.

He is currently based in the West Moreton District at Ipswich as a Senior Operations Supervisor, where he oversees operational response and coordination. During his career he has played integral roles in the response to major natural disasters and large-scale community events.

Stephen was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his service to the community during the devastating 2011 floods in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. He has also received clasps to the medal for his contributions during Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and the Australian Bushfires of 2019–20. In addition, he received a Commissioner’s Commendation for his role during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

In recognition of his significant contribution to leadership and disaster management within the Queensland Ambulance Service, Stephen was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.
Stephen is married to Kelly and together they have six adult children. When time permits, they both enjoy travelling throughout Australia and internationally.