Published Monday, 05 July, 2010 at 05:31 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
Sunshine Coast SES farewells three of the best
The Sunshine Coast State Emergency Service will farewell almost a century of experience tonight at a retirement function for three of its best and longest-serving members.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts congratulated Lloyd Larney, Graham Cheal and Jim Case on each of their involvement with SES units across the Sunshine Coast for the past three decades.
“Between them they have notched more than 90 years of helping the community in times of need,” Mr Roberts said.
“I cannot overstate the importance of the ongoing contributions that men such as Lloyd, Jim and Graham have made to their local communities over the years,” he said.
“The experience and knowledge that these men have brought to the SES is invaluable. Their retirement will leave a very big hole on the coast and they will be sorely missed.”
Emergency Management Queensland Acting Chief Officer Bruce Grady said the three had shown a willingness to help out wherever and whenever required and had given an enormous amount back to their community.
“Jim Case has been with the State Emergency Service for 35 years and he has seen it all,” Mr Grady said.
“Jim actually was only meant to be with the SES for a few months when he was asked to join back in 1975 as a controller for Landsborough Shire. Three decades later he’s still there.
“Jim has been heavily involved in almost every aspect of the State Emergency Service, from his role as the Caloundra SES Controller to being involved in the Local Disaster Management Group.
“In 2000, he received the Australia Day Medallion in recognition of his SES service and received the 2003 Caloundra Citizen of the Year Award for his contribution to the service.”
Mr Grady said Graham Cheal had led a number of SES rescues around the Glasshouse Mountains over his time with the service.
“He’s been rescuing stranded climbers since 1962 and in 1983 he became the leader of the SES Mountain and Vertical Rescue Group,” he said.
“Graham has also received a number of nationally recognised awards for his service including the Australia Day Achievement Medallion, a Bravery Award and the Emergency Services Medal.
“When not involved with the SES, Graham volunteers his time with the local Rural Fire Brigade and Apex Club, as well as helping to organise the Beerwah Charity Sports Day.”
Mr Grady also paid tribute to Lloyd Larney, who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for Community Service in 2009.
“Lloyd has displayed an outstanding level of commitment to the community,” Mr Grady said.
“Not only has he been the group leader of the SES in Maleny, but he’s also worn various other hats including a scout leader, deputy fire warden and coordinator for the local Neighbourhood Watch, which he has run for 16 years.
“Lloyd is also a previous winner of the Caloundra Citizen of the Year in 2004.
“All three of these men have dedicated most of their lives to community causes and to keeping the community safe. Their drive to serve is unparalleled.
“Now it’s their time to relax. We wish them every success for the future.”
WHERE: Caloundra SES Headquarters, Ulm Street South, Caloundra
WHEN: July 5 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
Media contact: Minister’s office – (07) 3239 0199; Department of Community Safety Media – (07) 3247 8186
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts congratulated Lloyd Larney, Graham Cheal and Jim Case on each of their involvement with SES units across the Sunshine Coast for the past three decades.
“Between them they have notched more than 90 years of helping the community in times of need,” Mr Roberts said.
“I cannot overstate the importance of the ongoing contributions that men such as Lloyd, Jim and Graham have made to their local communities over the years,” he said.
“The experience and knowledge that these men have brought to the SES is invaluable. Their retirement will leave a very big hole on the coast and they will be sorely missed.”
Emergency Management Queensland Acting Chief Officer Bruce Grady said the three had shown a willingness to help out wherever and whenever required and had given an enormous amount back to their community.
“Jim Case has been with the State Emergency Service for 35 years and he has seen it all,” Mr Grady said.
“Jim actually was only meant to be with the SES for a few months when he was asked to join back in 1975 as a controller for Landsborough Shire. Three decades later he’s still there.
“Jim has been heavily involved in almost every aspect of the State Emergency Service, from his role as the Caloundra SES Controller to being involved in the Local Disaster Management Group.
“In 2000, he received the Australia Day Medallion in recognition of his SES service and received the 2003 Caloundra Citizen of the Year Award for his contribution to the service.”
Mr Grady said Graham Cheal had led a number of SES rescues around the Glasshouse Mountains over his time with the service.
“He’s been rescuing stranded climbers since 1962 and in 1983 he became the leader of the SES Mountain and Vertical Rescue Group,” he said.
“Graham has also received a number of nationally recognised awards for his service including the Australia Day Achievement Medallion, a Bravery Award and the Emergency Services Medal.
“When not involved with the SES, Graham volunteers his time with the local Rural Fire Brigade and Apex Club, as well as helping to organise the Beerwah Charity Sports Day.”
Mr Grady also paid tribute to Lloyd Larney, who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for Community Service in 2009.
“Lloyd has displayed an outstanding level of commitment to the community,” Mr Grady said.
“Not only has he been the group leader of the SES in Maleny, but he’s also worn various other hats including a scout leader, deputy fire warden and coordinator for the local Neighbourhood Watch, which he has run for 16 years.
“Lloyd is also a previous winner of the Caloundra Citizen of the Year in 2004.
“All three of these men have dedicated most of their lives to community causes and to keeping the community safe. Their drive to serve is unparalleled.
“Now it’s their time to relax. We wish them every success for the future.”
WHERE: Caloundra SES Headquarters, Ulm Street South, Caloundra
WHEN: July 5 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
Media contact: Minister’s office – (07) 3239 0199; Department of Community Safety Media – (07) 3247 8186