Queensland’s top SES volunteer announced

Embargoed until 12pm Sunday (award recipient is unaware she has won)

A Brisbane City Council administrative officer has been named Member of the Year at the annual State Emergency Service (SES) Week State Award ceremony held today.

Jan Irons of the SES Brisbane Unit has won the prestigious award after nearly 30 years of volunteering.

Jan’s service is most notable for her experience as one of only two women external rescue crew members with the helicopter rescue team.

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts, who presented the Award to Ms Irons at a ceremony held at the Riverlife Adventure Centre at Kangaroo Point, said that despite the high standard of nominations for this year’s award, Jan Irons was still a stand-out nominee.

“Jan is regarded throughout the State as one the most dedicated and hard-working members of the SES.

“She is the kind of volunteer who gives 100 per cent, 100 per cent of the time. She has always been an inspiration to her colleagues and richly deserves to be awarded this honour.

Five years ago Jan was awarded the Australia Day Emergency Services Medal for her bravery, having placed herself in very real personal danger to assist people in need as a member of the helicopter rescue crew.

“Jan is committed to developing disaster plans and awareness in the community, and contributes significant time each week to provide leadership and training to groups around the Brisbane area,” Minister Roberts said.

Jan has taken her dedication to the SES to the next level through her tireless involvement in other SES-related activities such as the SES State Rescue Competition.

Other state awards presented at the ceremony today were Queensland’s SES Unit of the Year and Queensland’s SES Operational Response of the Year.

Minister Roberts said with SES week coming to an end he has been encouraged by the display of community appreciation for the volunteers.

“Organisations such as local councils, the State Government and the SES’ major sponsor NRMA do their part to make sure the SES is running efficiently but the support of the local community for our volunteers is what really keeps the ‘orange angels’ going,” he said.

“Community recognition really boosts morale and I has been great to see locals come out and support their local group during National SES Week.”

Media contact:
Minister's Office - Corinne Mulholland – 0419 786 114
Department of Emergency Services -  3247 8186