The Minns Labor Government has today announced the establishment of the Premier's Flood Emergency Citation to recognise the extraordinary response efforts during the major NSW flood events between 2021 and 2023.
The citation will be awarded to organisations such as the members of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), other emergency agencies, defence force personnel and other community-based organisations.
It also includes individuals who were part of local 'Tinny Army' groups, who played a role in responding during flood emergencies across many parts of the state in an informal or spontaneous way.
The citation honours those who were part of the operational response during those challenging times, including those who assisted with evacuations, or helped people or animals trapped by floodwater.
This recognition is particularly significant given the unprecedented scale and duration of the operational response, with some regions experiencing over 100 consecutive days of emergency activities.
The Premier's Flood Emergency Citation will be administered by the NSW SES and includes the following specific events:
- Southern and Western NSW floods: 9 November 2021 - 21 February 2022
- Northern NSW and Hawkesbury Nepean Valley floods: 22 February 2022 - 8 April 2022
- Greater Sydney and Hunter Valley floods: 27 June 2022 - 17 July 2022
- Southern and Western NSW floods: 2 August 2022 - 8 March 2023
Recipients of the citation will receive a letter and certificate co-signed by the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Emergency Services and the NSW SES Commissioner, along with a citation pin.
The NSW SES will contact eligible organisations directly to submit nominations on behalf of members.
Informal or spontaneous volunteers, whose efforts were not as part of an eligible organisation, can self-nominate.
This initiative follows the Bushfire Emergency Citation, ensuring that the unique and vital contributions of emergency responders and volunteers during emergencies are recognised.
While the NSW Government remains focused on helping the communities recover and rebuild, the Premier's Flood Emergency Citation underscores the Government's commitment to also acknowledging the dedication and resilience of those who served the community in times of crisis.
To nominate as an individual, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/premiers-department/citation
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"Our emergency service personnel and volunteers showed immense courage and dedication during some of the most challenging conditions our state has ever faced.
"The Premier's Flood Emergency Citation is a testament to their tireless efforts and the critical role they played in keeping our communities safe.
"This recognition is not just about honouring their hard work; it's about ensuring they know that their contributions have made a real difference in the lives of so many people across NSW."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"The response to these flood events was extraordinary and inspiring, with volunteers and emergency services personnel stepping up in the face of adversity to protect and assist their communities.
"We know that many of those who served during these floods did so at great personal sacrifice, but they are motivated by a sense of service to others.
"This citation is a symbol of our appreciation for their service and a reminder of the vital role they play in our society."
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"I am pleased that Premier Chris Minns made the decision to formally honour our personnel and volunteers in uniform and our 'Tinny Army' who saved so many lives in the Northern Rivers three years ago.
"I saw people in my community go above and beyond to get their neighbours to safety, and we saw ordinary people do the most extraordinary things to save lives in flood-affected communities right across the state.
"I want to urge everyone who played their part in that community effort to self-nominate to make sure they receive their due recognition for the things they did in that difficult time. There is no cut-off date for this process.
"I know I express the wishes of the entire community and say that we thank each and every one of our hero rescuers from the bottom of our hearts."
NSW SES Commissioner Michael Wassing AFSM said:
"The major flooding events of 2022-2023 were felt right across NSW, with countless flood rescues and resupply missions in what was the longest flooding campaign in the state's history.
"Our volunteers and the community members who helped their neighbours alongside NSW SES members, who gave more than two million hours during these floods, deserve this recognition."
