Nine North Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers were recognised for their exceptional efforts at the 2026 Australia Day Achievement Awards held in Townsville last night.
The awards are presented annually to Queensland SES staff and volunteers whose efforts have exceeded the normal course of duty within the previous year.
SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong said the awards offered an opportunity to recognise the ongoing dedication, professionalism and service embodied by the state's volunteers during challenging conditions.
"For over 50 years SES members have supported regional and rural communities to prepare for and recover from emergency situations caused by severe weather including floods and storms," Chief Officer Armstrong said.
"Across Queensland, our 5,000 volunteers selflessly answer the call 24 hours a day, 365 days per year when Queenslanders need them most.
"The Australia Day Achievement Awards honour their remarkable commitment both individually and at regional level."
SES Regional Director Northern Region, Daryl Camp ESM said the award recipients had each demonstrated a remarkable commitment to deliver crucial services to North and North West Queensland communities within the last year.
"When record breaking flood conditions hit North and North West Queensland in February 2025, our volunteers were immediately on the ground to sandbag, provide temporary repairs, assist with rescues and provide emergency operations support," Mr Camp said.
"They also answered the call earlier this month to support communities from Townsville to Mackay facing flooding as a result of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
"We are proud of every single one of our volunteers and are thrilled to recognise the particularly exceptional efforts of nine of our members who performed work beyond what is normally expected.
"We are privileged to have them as part of the SES and are proud to acknowledge them at tonight's awards."
Of the nine volunteers honoured, Kerri McKenzie, Field Operations Member, Townsville Group was recognised for her 'commitment and passion' for community engagement on behalf of the Townsville and Thuringowa groups.
Her nomination detailed her efforts to collaborate with community groups and coordinate SES attendance at events throughout the region.
"I love my work with the SES and am very passionate about the community, so I'm very honoured to receive the award," Ms McKenzie said.
"When it comes to being of service to a community in need, I will put my hand up every time."
Richard Baxter, Community Member, Townsville Group was recognised for contributing over 200 volunteer hours within his first six months of joining the SES.
His nomination included recognising his efforts to develop comprehensive Standard Operating Guidelines to assist new members with learning and understanding how to do 'everyday tasks' at the Group.
"The award was a real surprise, but I don't do this for recognition as I just enjoy being able to help," Mr Baxter said.
"After I retired, I wanted to give something back and the SES felt like the right place to do it because they are always there when local communities need them
"I'll keep volunteering for as long as I still contribute."
Recipients were presented with the Australia Day Achievement Medallion and a certificate at a ceremony last night at the North Queensland Cowboys Hutchinson Builders Centre of Excellence.
2026 SES Australia Day Achievement Awards Recipients
- Dan Cordner, Acting Local Controller, Ingham and Operational Capability Officer
- Brooke Collicoat, Leading Field Operations Member, Pentland Group
- Ali Tully, Senior Field Operations Member, Townsville Group
- Kaleb Ballment, Field Operations Member, Townsville Group
- Tanya Graffin, Field Operations Member, Townsville Group
- Kerri McKenzie, Field Operations Member, Townsville Group
- Richard Baxter, Community Member, Townsville Group
- Anthony Birnie, Leading Field Operations Member, Thuringowa Group
- Phil Prosser, Field Operations Member, Thuringowa Group
Mayor of Townsville Nick Dametto (third from left) and Member for Townsville Adam Bailie MP (fourth from left) with recipients of the SES Australia Day Achievement Awards 2026.
