North Queensland’s emergency services personnel shine at Australia Day Awards

Eleven dedicated staff members from the Department of Emergency Services in north Queensland have been honoured in the annual Australia Day Achievement Awards.

Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace 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 Mount Isa Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer for showing outstanding dedication and drive for establishing the Mount Isa Rural Fire Brigade from conception to an operational unit in less than 12 months,” 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

Peter Baron

Joshua Fleming

Melanie Freeman

Leonard Gleeson

Queensland Ambulance Service Australia Day Achievement Medallion

Patrick Brown

Rodney Fitch

Raymond Hardy

Judith Hawkes

Brendan Ranizowski

Liam Steger

Emergency Management Queensland Australia Day Achievement Medallion