The State Emergency Service (SES) has marked the recent SES Week by presenting awards to volunteers for their crucial role in keeping Queenslanders safe.
Acting Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Furner said it was crucial to recognise and thank SES volunteers for their continuing service and dedication.
“The SES played a crucial role helping those affected by the Queensland and NSW floods earlier this year,” Mr Furner said.
“Being an SES volunteer is not easy. It requires hours of training, dedication to serve, and courage to respond in the very worst of conditions.”
He said whether it was first aid, flood boat operation, technical rescue or land search, SES volunteers could often be the difference between life and death.
Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing said the SES has been an integral part of Queensland’s emergency response for almost 50 years.
“During SES Week we have presented many SES volunteers with awards for their outstanding efforts,” Acting Commissioner Wassing said.
“It has been a difficult year for Queensland, and the SES volunteers’ dedication and community spirit has been on display in full force. I am always proud to see the lengths and efforts to which QFES members will go to serve their community.”
Acting Deputy Commissioner Joanne Greenfield said the State Awards ceremony recognised those who had excelled in the service.
“While all SES volunteers do a wonderful job, our award winners have gone above and beyond what is expected of them and proven to be very deserving of the State’s top honours,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Greenfield said.
SES Week State award winners:
Member of the Year, Mitchell Brushe, Cleveland SES Group;
Unit of the Year, Townsville/Thuringowa SES Group;
Operational Response of the Year, Brisbane City SES Unit, Moreton Bay Regional SES Unit and Redland City SES Unit (joint winners).
Trainer of the Year, Julie Crocker, Caboolture SES Group;
Spirit of SES Award, Peter Rice, Townsville SES Group.
Life Member Awards, Alan Green, Innisfail SES Group and Robert Sutcliffe, Home Hill SES Group.
