Arana Hills SES Volunteer awarded top honour

Arana Hills State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer Kevin Cannell wasl today  named the Brisbane Region’s SES Member of the Year.

As part of SES Week celebrations Mr Cannell received the prestigious award at a ceremony at ACD Courtyard, Emergency Services Complex, Kedron today.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said Kevin stood out in an impressive field of nominees for his dedication to the SES and his community.

“Kevin received the region’s SES Member of the Year award for his outstanding service, enthusiasm, and selfless approach to his duties as an SES volunteer”, Mr Roberts said.

“He is dedicated and reliable, and has a deep passion for the SES values and processes, which has been regularly demonstrated during his 10 years of service as a volunteer.”

SES and Emergency Management Queensland Acting Regional Director Ken Nipperess said Kevin was a valuable member of the Arana Hills unit with his specialist skills utilized both locally and at interstate deployments.

“Kevin works tirelessly to enhance the unit as an instructor and workplace assessor and is a specialist in floodboat operation and traffic control,” Mr Nipperess said.

“He is also actively involved in community events as the president of the Pine Rivers SES Support Group.”

Mr Nipperess said the Kilcoy and Caboolture units were also recognised at the event, with Kilcoy named the region’s Unit of the Year and Caboolture unit receiving the award for the Operational Response of the Year.

“Kilcoy has been awarded Unit of the Year for 2007 for its service to neighbouring SES units including its response to the recent Noosa floods and also deployment to the New South Wales flood disaster.”

Winners of the regional awards have been nominated for SES Week State Awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in Brisbane on Sunday 18 November.

For more information please contact EMQ Media on 3109 7278.

Ministerial media contact: Kirby Anderson 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350.