Local State Emergency Services heroes were recently recognised for their commitment to community at the recent SES Week Awards, with Bundaberg SES Unit Local Controller Kieran Galey taking home the top gong.
SES Week is an annual celebration of the dedication and achievements of SES volunteers and during this week, several awards are presented on both regional and state levels.
Community Engagement and Recruitment Officer Sandra Brown said all SES Week Awards recognised volunteers, both as individuals and collectives, who had given a special contribution to the service.
“North Coast Region SES held their annual ceremony at Gunabul Homestead, Gympie on Saturday 24 August where Kieran was crowned the SES Regional Member of the Year,” she said.
“The award is for overall distinguished levels of service by an individual to the State Emergency Service, including rescue or emergency and disaster response, or levels of community engagement.
“Winners of the Regional Member of the Year award are automatically nominated for the state level Minister’s Cup.
“Kieran will be attending the State Award Ceremony next Saturday in Brisbane.”
Kieran also received his National Medal for 15 years service, along with others local members including:
- Trevor Baldock – Bundaberg SES Group – SES Meritorious Service Medal 10yrs
- Matthew Davenport – Bundaberg SES Group – SES Meritorious Service 15yrs Clasp
- Janette Elson – Woodgate SES Group – SES Meritorious Service 15yrs Clasp
- Helen Lenaghan – Bargara SES Group – SES Meritorious Service 15yrs Clasp
- Geoffrey Fergusson – Bargara SES Group – SES Meritorious Service 30yrs Clasp and National Medal 25yrs Clasp
The Meritorious Service Medal is a state level award recognising dedicated service by volunteer members of the Queensland State Emergency Service.
The National Medal recognises long and diligent service with government and voluntary organisations whose members risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.
The National Medal is Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.