Mark HERON

Dynamic professional with over 11 years of experience in community service as an ordained Buddhist monk, skilled in engaging diverse populations and fostering inclusivity. Proven ability to develop and implement meditation and community programs that enhance creativity and support mental health for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Currently volunteering with the Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministries and serving as a Buddhist chaplain for Victorian Paramedics while training as a first responder with St. John’s Ambulance Victoria. Seeking a position that leverages extensive skills in community engagement, program development, and crisis support to create a meaningful impact.

• Provide Advanced First Aid – HLTAID0014 - St. John Ambulance Australia 2025
• Provide advanced resuscitation & oxygen therapy – HLTAID015 - St. John Ambulance Australia 2025
• Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation – HLTAID009 – St. John Ambulance Australia 2025
• Provide basic emergency life support - HLTAID010 – St. John Ambulance Australia 2025
• Provide First Aid – HLTAID011 – St. John Ambulance Australia 2025
• National Child Safeguarding Training – S.t John Ambulance Australia 2025
• Workplace Infection Control – St. John Ambulance Australia 2025
• VEHS Manual Handling – St. John Ambulance Australia 2025
• Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol - SITHFAB021 – Complete Hospitality Training Victoria 2025
• Current Working With Children Check – Number 3119559A-01
• Food Handling Supervisor Certificate Levels 1 and 2 – Certificate FSF01-V3-MHE09001-202309121
• VCCEM Community Chaplain / Personal Support Certificate – Victorian Council of Churches 2024
• DoFoodSafely - Certificate# 01116255 - 2025
• Youth Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health First Aid Australia 2013
• Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health First Aid Australia 2013

• Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Concierge, Melbourne, 2025-06, Present
• St. John’s Ambulance Victoria, First Responder (in training), Melbourne, 2025-06, Present
• VCCEM and Buddhist Resource Chaplain for Ambulance Victoria, Melbourne, 2024-05, Present
• Bendigo, 2022, 2024, Lead community meditations, Kitchen / cafe manager, Working collaboratively with Dementia Australia, Working in conjunction with WISE Disability Services, Bendigo Interfaith, Gardening, Art/ craft/ design
• New Zealand, 2014, 2022, Guided meditations local high schools, Guided meditations for residents and volunteers at Nelson Centre, Cooking for residents and community events at various Buddhist Centres, Transcribing of teachings, meditations, Nelson Interfaith, Gardening, Art / design Co-Ordinator for Prayer Wheel Project – Nelson, Service, repair, provide advice at Eco Matters Community Bike Hub - Auckland, Support for clients with moderate to mild intellectual disabilities – Delta Community Support Trust – Christchurch; and SkillWise – Christchurch