Whitsunday SES Volunteer takes top honours

Whitsunday State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer Jack Russo was named the Central Region’s SES Member of the Year last night (10 November).

As part of SES Week celebrations Mr Russo received his award at a ceremony at Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Rockhampton last night.

Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan represented Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts at the awards ceremony.

Mr Roberts said Jack stood out in an impressive field of nominees for his dedication to the SES and the community.

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

SES and Emergency Management Queensland Acting Regional Director Shane Wood said since Jack joined the SES at 16 years of age he had continued to strive for excellence.

“Jack’s commitment for a person his age is a credit to himself and is an example to his peers,” Mr Wood said.

“In a very short time he has achieved a level of skill and experience anyone would be proud of.”

Mr Wood said Emerald, Whitsunday and Mackay units were also recognised at the event, with the Emerald Unit being named the region’s Unit of the Year, and Whitsunday and Mackay sharing the award for the Operational Response of the Year.

“The Emerald unit is consistently well-managed, effective and efficient, maintaining an effective level of membership to be able to respond to events in their community as needed,” he said.

“Whitsunday and Mackay units received the Operational Response of the Year award for their combined response during the search for three missing sailors, whose catamaran Kaz II was found drifting off the Queensland coast.”

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.