The work and commitment of nearly 20 NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers throughout disasters, including Tropical Cyclone Debbie, has been recognised in front of their peers and loved ones.
The volunteers were celebrated for the strides they have made in community service and their operational response during flood and storm emergencies at the Inner West Council Recognition Reception.
Among them is Ashfield-Leichhardt Unit Commander Peter Kaye who is receiving his NSW SES Life Member award for 47 years of service, four decades of which he has been Unit Commander.
A further two volunteers were awarded the National Emergency Medal for their significant operational response in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017. Adam Jones and Steve Sanson both served as interagency volunteers throughout the recovery effort on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast.
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM was proud to celebrate the volunteers' service as they were recognised in front of the community they have tirelessly served.
"The past year has seen a united and colossal effort from our 490 volunteers to safeguard and protect the Inner West community through our Ashfield-Leichhardt, Marrickville, Burwood and Canada Bay SES Units" Commissioner York said.
In 2021, the Inner West SES units received 580 calls for help from their local community. This number was more than doubled in 2022 when they received 1,120 requests, demonstrating the enormity and agility of their operational response.
"Not only are the awards about celebrating the work of the volunteers being recognised today, but we are also paying tribute to their fellow volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their work. The awards also commend their loved ones who have supported their service to the NSW SES," Commissioner York said.
NSW SES Metro Deputy Zone Commander, Superintendent Stuart Fisher, was delighted to see volunteers celebrated for their efforts.
"Through their time as NSW SES volunteers, they have safeguarded lives and homes and helped local communities become more resilient, while also balancing the demands of everyday life," Superintendent Fisher said.
Inner West Council Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott presented some awards to the well-deserving SES volunteers.
"It was an honour to present awards to our incredible State Emergency Service personnel. These volunteers risk their lives to protect the community and have never worked harder than they did in 2022. Congratulations and on behalf of the Council and our community thank you to the members of the Marrickville and Ashfield-Leichhardt Units for all you do," Clr Scott said.
Thirteen different types of awards were presented at the Inner West Council Recognition Reception, including:
- National Emergency Medal
- National Medal
- Long Service Awards
- NSW SES Life Member
- Commissioner's Certificate of Appreciation
- Mayor's Young Leader Award
- The Alexander Bailey Training Award
- Unit volunteer of the Year
- Rookie of the year
- Above and beyond
- Positivity and commitment
- Quiet achiever
- Trainer's choice
