Australia Day Honours for Emergency Service workers in Brisbane

Every year almost a million Queenslanders call on our emergency service staff and volunteers in their time of need, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.

Mr Roberts presented Emergency Services staff and volunteers with Australia Day awards at a ceremony held today at Parliament House in Brisbane.

Australia Day Achievement Awards are presented by the Department of Emergency Services each year to recognise excellence among its staff and volunteers.

More than 130 paramedics, firefighters, volunteers, and departmental personnel were honoured for their commitment and outstanding service in ceremonies held across the state to mark Australia Day.

Mr Roberts said the awards played an important role in acknowledging the men and women who dedicated themselves to helping others during times of emergency.

“In such times, staff and volunteers have shown the capacity to quickly develop a team approach and effectively respond to any situation.

“Disasters such as the recent floods across large areas of Queensland, including Charleville and Emerald and preparations in Rockhampton, demonstrate the high level of preparedness, professionalism and teamwork of emergency services staff and volunteers who respond fast and effectively to even the most difficult situations.

“The Queensland community recognises that Emergency Services personnel will be there in their time of need,” he said.

Mr Roberts said that not all the award recipients worked at the ‘front line’ when a disaster occurred.

“This ceremony also recognises that areas like financial management, human relations and information technology and communications underpin our operational abilities and provide the foundation for a strong and effective organisation”, he said.

Mr Roberts said it was also important to acknowledge the support provided and sacrifices often made by the families and friends of the award recipients and other Emergency Services staff and volunteers.

“Ensuring the safety of Queenslanders is not limited to working office hours. It is the support of families and friends that assists emergency services personnel to do such great work each and every day,” Mr Roberts said.

25 January 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350