Some of the Far North's finest have been recognised at an awards ceremony to kick off State Emergency Service (SES) Week.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said it was a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the volunteers who support their communities when disaster strikes.
"Being an SES volunteer is no easy feat – it requires hours of training, dedication to serve and courage to respond in the very worst of conditions," Mr Crawford said.
"Whether it's first aid, flood boat operation, technical rescue or land search, SES volunteers can often be the difference between life and death."
As part of the celebrations, Minister Crawford handed over two new flood boats and three rescue trailers to SES Units in the region.
Gordonvale SES Unit and Machans Beach SES Unit each received a replacement flood boat, valued at more than $150 000.
Three rescue trailers were also handed over to Kuranda, Cooktown and Ravenshoe SES Units, worth a combined total of nearly $62 000.
"These new flood boats and trailers have been funded through the QFES Mayor Equipment Replacement Program, with the Cooktown trailer funded by the Gambling Community Benefit Fund," Mr Crawford said.
"It is always exciting to see our volunteers received new equipment and these flood boasts and trailers will ensure our volunteers can continue to support their communities."
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Gwin said the region's volunteers were always ready to be called upon during disasters.
"Our SES volunteers selflessly donate their time to assist their communities, often travelling long distances, and SES Week is our chance to thank them for their service and dedication," Mr Gwin said.
"SES volunteers are trained to tackle all kinds of jobs, including first aid, flood boat operation, technical rescue, land search and community education.
"The value they provide to our communities cannot be understated and deserves to be recognised."
Far Northern Region SES Regional Director Wayne Coutts said volunteers receiving awards were extremely deserving of the recognition.
"Not only is SES Week a celebration of the service, but it is also an opportunity to recognise volunteers who have gone above and beyond for their communities," Mr Coutts said.
"Being an SES volunteer is both an extremely selfless and rewarding job, and we are proud of each volunteer here in the Far Northern Region."
SES Week 2019 runs from 12 October to 20 October and is a national celebration that highlights members and groups who have excelled in the service.
Far Northern Region SES Week Award winners:
Regional Trainer of the Year: Robert Simmons, Holloways Beach SES Group
Regional Member of the Year: Bill Sterling, Local Controller, Buchan Point SES Group
Regional Group/Unit of the Year: Edmonton SES Group
Regional Operational Response of the Year: Buchan Point SES Group
