SES volunteers honoured at awards ceremony: Minister calls for new recruits

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts has paid tribute to Mt Morgan SES volunteers who have collectively contributed more than 200 years of service.

Eight “Orange Angels” from Mt Morgan SES were presented with Meritorious Service Medals and National Medals for long-service to their local community.

Two husband and wife teams were recognised, with Kevin and Wendy Porter awarded medals for 30 and 25 years service respectively, while Colleen and Graham Roberts have both served 20 years.

“I congratulate all of today’s medal recipients and recognise their dedicated service to the community,” Mr Roberts said.

“Families often form the backbone of emergency services volunteer organisations and its no different at Mt Morgan with two husband and wife teams receiving awards.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Darren Barnicoat and Jason Moran, who have both received two awards.”

Mr Roberts said the State Government had recently launched a new SES recruitment campaign.

“This month, the Premier announced the targets for Towards Q2, tomorrow’s Queensland.

“One of those targets is to increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers by 50%.

“To achieve this, we need to attract potential recruits from all backgrounds, promote the benefits of volunteering and work with local communities to encourage volunteering.”

Mr Roberts said SES volunteers are often called upon to go the ‘extra mile’ in the course of their duties.

“SES volunteers are the calm in the storm for many Queenslanders unfortunate enough to be affected by natural disasters or tragedy,” Mr Roberts said.

“The sheer volume of hours devoted by members of Mt Morgan SES to not only search and rescue but training is testament to their hard work, bravery and dedication to their local community.

“SES volunteers come from all walks of life and provide a sense of reassurance to their communities.

“Long-term members are obviously very valuable to an organisation of this kind not only because of their understanding of the local area and its needs but their ability to operate as a highly effective team.

“We also need to attract volunteers so the SES can continue to provide a strong and fast response to disaster situations.

“Today it’s my pleasure to award these medals as a way of saying thank you for their unwavering commitment.”

The award recipients are as follows -

Mr Kevin Porter – 20 year clasp to the SES Meritorious Service Medal (30 yrs service)

Mrs Wendy Porter - 15 year clasp to the SES Meritorious Service Medal (25 yrs service)

Mr Darren Barnicoat - 15 year clasp to the SES Meritorious Service Medal (25 yrs service)

Mr Darren Barnicoat - 10 year clasp to the National Medal (25 yrs service)

Mrs Colleen Roberts - 10 year clasp to the SES Meritorious Service Medal (20 yrs service)

Mr Graham Roberts - 10 year clasp to the SES Meritorious Service Medal (20 yrs service)

Mrs Melissa Sealy - 10 year clasp to the SES Meritorious Service Medal (20 yrs service)

Mr Jason Moran - National Medal for 15 years service (15 yrs service)

Mr Jason Moran - 5 year clasp to the SES Meritorious Service Medal (15 yrs service)

Mr Stanley Western - National Medal for 15 years service (15 yrs service)

Media Contact - Jessica Lawrence (Minister’s Office) 3247 8992