Best of SES recognised at State Award Ceremony

• The contributions of SES volunteers have been recognised at the SES Week State Award Ceremony
• SES Week began on 9 September.

Queensland’s outstanding State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers were recognised at a state award ceremony in Brisbane today.

The annual award ceremony marks the end of SES Week celebrations, which began on 9 September. 

In the previous financial year, SES volunteers conducted more than 92,000 hours in operational tasking and 330,000 hours in training, administration, public education, recruitment, fundraising and equipment maintenance.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan:

“An integral part of SES week is recognising and thanking volunteers for their ongoing service and dedication,” Minister Ryan said.

“The SES has thousands of dedicated volunteers who assist communities during adverse weather events. 

“Our SES volunteers are outstanding for their hard work, commitment and professionalism, which is demonstrated many times a day.

“Time and time again they rise to the challenge, supporting not only Queenslander’s but communities right across Australia during times of need.”

Quotes attributable to QFES Commissioner Greg Leach:

“Our SES volunteers serve Queenslanders in their times of greatest need and for this we are extremely grateful,” Commissioner Leach said.

“Many volunteers have demonstrated their commitment to their community, not over years but decades.

“Congratulations to today’s State award winners, and to all regional award winners recognised throughout the past week.

“I would like to thank our local government partners, our Principal Community Partner Suncorp, and other partners whose ongoing support allows the SES to continue to do the vital work they do.” 

Quotes attributable to QFES Acting Deputy Commissioner Joanne Greenfield:

“SES volunteers dedicate both work and personal time, often a long way from home, to helping communities in distress,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Greenfield said.

“They also spend many hours training to ensure they provide a professional and compassionate service our Queensland communities, and for this we thank them.

“These awards acknowledge not only the hard work of our volunteers, but also their families, friends and workplaces who support the SES.

“At QFES we pride ourselves on upholding our values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust, and the recipients today have certainly demonstrated these values in their work.”

Further information:

Minister’s Cup for Member of the Year – Blair Bloustien, Holloways Beach SES Group

Commissioner’s Cup for Unit of the Year – Deception Bay SES Group

Assistant Commissioner’s Shield for Operational Response of the Year – Ipswich City SES Unit

Directors’ Award for SES Young Member of the Year – Sidrah Harcourt, Redland Bay SES Group

Joyce Scorey Shield for Trainer of the Year – Melonie Bewick, Atherton SES Group

Suncorp Spirit of SES Winner – Alexander Baines, Redland Bay SES Group

Life Member Award – Karen Weston, Holloways Beach SES Group

Life Member Award – Giordano Laguna, Townsville City SES Unit

Life Member Award – Brendan Jones, Coolum Beach SES Group

Life Member Award – Robert Griffiths, Townsville City SES Unit

SES Week 2023 runs from 9 to 17 September and thanks SES volunteers for their dedication and ongoing service.

The delivery of SES services is a collaboration that is jointly funded between Queensland Government, local councils, industry partners and community donations.

ENDS

QFES media: 3635 3310

Minister Ryan’s office: 3035 8300