Best of SES recognised at State Awards

The dedication of Queensland’s State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers has been recognised at the State SES Week Awards ceremony.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the Queensland SES has a proud 44-year history of helping and protecting local communities.

“Being an SES volunteer isn’t any easy job; it requires hours of training, dedication to service and courage to respond in the very worst of conditions, “Mr Crawford said.

“Whether it’s first aid, a flood boat operation, technical rescue or a land search, the men and women in orange are often the difference between life and death.”

Minister Crawford was represented at the awards ceremony by Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni.

“There is probably no greater commitment that epitomises the Queenslander spirit than being an SES volunteer and the 5,300 active SES volunteers have shone this year,” Mr de Brenni said.  

“From historic floods to raging bushfires there isn’t much our SES volunteers haven’t had to deal with.

“When rescues, searches, traffic management, first-aid and community education are also factored in it has been a record year for our Queenslanders in orange. 

“Our SES volunteers selflessly donate their time to assist their communities, often travelling long distances, and SES Week is our chance to say thank you for your service and dedication.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing said SES volunteers were always ready to be called upon during disasters.

“Our SES volunteers have dedicated over 15,900 hours helping Queenslanders since July, including during the September bushfires,” Mr Wassing said.

“They played a crucial role behind the scenes, helping to coordinate QFES’ successful response to this emergency.

“The North Queensland monsoon event was particularly significant for the SES, with volunteers completing close to 5000 tasks.

“While all SES volunteers do a fantastic 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.

“I am enormously honoured to be able to thank all of our SES volunteers on behalf of all Queenslanders.”

State award winners:

Minister’s Cup for Queensland SES Member of the Year:

William Sterling of Buchan Point SES Group (Far Northern Regional Member of the Year)

Commissioner’s Cup for the Queensland SES Unit or Group of the Year:

Maroochydore SES Group (North Coast Regional Group of the Year)

Highly Commended award for Queensland SES Unit or Group of the Year:

Ipswich City SES Group (South East Region Group of the Year)

Assistant Commissioner’s Shield for the Queensland SES Operational Response of the Year:

Townsville City SES Unit (Northern Regional Operational Response of the Year)

The Joyce Scorey Shield for Queensland SES Trainer of the Year:

Daniel Kingdom of Thuringowa SES Group (Northern Regional Trainer of the Year)

ENDS

Media Contact: Ben Brew 0468 839 551