Far north’s emergency services personnel shine at Australia Day Awards

Eleven dedicated Department of Emergency Services (DES) staff members in the far north have been honoured in the annual Australia Day Achievement Awards.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall congratulated the recipients, at today’s ceremony.

“This special award is an indication of how our hard working staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“It includes a Trinity Beach State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer who produced a portable Incident Control System Battle Board for use in operations,” he said.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said every year, thousands of Queenslanders call on emergency services staff and volunteers in a time of need.

“Over the past 12 months, Queensland’s emergency services staff and volunteers have seen their fair share of disasters – floods and a multitude of severe storms - and these are in addition to the traffic accidents, fires, medical responses and many other emergencies that occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all over the state.

“These awards recognise the high level of preparedness, skill, professionalism and teamwork displayed by emergency services staff and volunteers in preparing for and responding to emergency situations,” he said.

A total of 146 DES staff and volunteers from across Queensland will be honoured this week with an Achievement Medallion.

Individuals, community groups and businesses that have shown support for the organisation’s staff and volunteers will also be recognised through the awards with 28 Appreciation Certificates to be handed out across the State.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Australia Day Achievement Medallion

Stephen Lewin

Jeffrey Titlow

Phillip Miller

Ian Thomas

Stephen De Prada

Stephen Wilson

Queensland Ambulance Service Australia Day Achievement Medallion

Grantly Culic

Phillip Axsentieff

Emergency Management Queensland Australia Day Achievement Medallion

Michael Stewart

Merle McAlonan

Helen Greaves

ZEROharm Excellence in Safety Leadership Award – highly commended