The NSW SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Local Commander was awarded the 2025 Volunteer Officer of the Year and 2025 NSW State Emergency Service Officer of the Year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) over the weekend.
But even a trip to Sydney to accept the award on Saturday night didn't stop Inspector Whitaker from being there for his community through the weekend's severe storms and flooding response.
In a true demonstration of the Rotary motto 'service above self', Inspector Whitaker was back on the frontline by Sunday morning, just hours later, to respond to significant storm damage along the Mid North Coast.
"The Hastings area received around120 storm-related jobs over the weekend," Inspector Whitaker said.
"My job was about communicating with the local units and keeping ahead of what the local risks were going to be so we could support them through the response."
Inspector Whitaker first joined the NSW SES at the Warringah Unit in 1972, where he served for 20 years. He later transferred to the Sydney Northern Region Headquarters, then Hornsby and Wyong Units, before moving to the Mid Coast and joining the Camden Haven Unit in 2020.
Now, as Deputy Local Commander of the Hastings Cluster, he supports four units to provide leadership, coaching, and operational management. He also plays a key role in mentoring emerging leaders across the region.
"I think we all learn important things from the people we meet throughout our lives and being able to share my experiences with other people in the SES is really important to me," Inspector Whitaker said.
Inspector Whitaker has contributed to major disaster responses, including Cyclone Yasi and the Newcastle Earthquake, as well as delivering ceremonial services, state-wide learning projects and being a long-time member of the Land Search Capability Development Group.
But his service extends beyond the local community - Inspector Whitaker has deployed to other states and countries with the NSW SES, including to Queensland and the 2023 Canadian wildfires.
Inspector Whitaker received the awards on Saturday evening at Bankstown Sports Club, alongside NSW SES finalists Matthew Elliott, Graham Tomkinson and Colin McQueen.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said Inspector Whitaker was truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
"Garry has selflessly served with his local community and beyond for more than 53 years, and this award is a testament to his decades of dedication," Commissioner Wassing said.
"I'm incredibly proud of all of our finalists, who constantly go above and beyond the call of duty to keep communities safe."
Inspector Whitaker said it was a big surprise and a huge honour to receive the award.
"No one goes into these roles wanting to receive medals and awards, we do it because it needs to be done. But every now and again, it is really nice when someone says thank you. This was a thank you beyond any expectation," he said.
The RESCA awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the community service of personnel agencies including NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and VRA Rescue NSW.
Picture caption, left to right: Rotary's Warwick Richardson and Renga Rajan, NSW SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Local Commander Gary Whitaker and NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing.
