State Emergency Service (SES) Week has concluded with the State Awards Ceremony in Brisbane at the panoramic Room Three Sixty, the top-floor venue at Gardens Point, on Saturday August 23.
Deputy Commissioner, Disaster and Emergency Management, Queensland Police Service (QPS), Mr Chris Stream joined SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong and other dignitaries at the awards ceremony.
SES Week ran from August 18 to 24 and is the annual celebration to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of SES volunteers and recognise their passion, hard work and commitment.
Each of the seven SES regions across Queensland held award ceremonies earlier in the year in May to acknowledge their high achieving volunteers and their exceptional efforts.
Winners of the regional awards were automatically nominated for the respective state awards and select winners travelled to Brisbane for the prestigious ceremony.
State Award Winners
- Minister's Cup for Member of the Year
Steven Hayes, Redland City SES Unit, Brisbane Region
In recognition of outstanding service to the Redland City SES Unit, enhancing operations, training, preparedness, and collaboration.
Highly commended awarded to Christopher Jones of South Eastern Region.
- Commissioner's Cup for Unit/Group of the Year
Maryborough SES Group, North Coast Region
For distinguished service to the SES through continued growth and community, exemplifying extraordinary service beyond expectations.
Highly commended awarded to Redland City Unit of Brisbane Region.
- Director's Cup for Young Member of the Year
Bethany Sarles, Holloways Beach SES Group, Far Northern Region
In recognition of steadfast dedication to the Holloways Beach SES Group and its community, exemplifying extraordinary service beyond expectations.
Highly commended awarded to Malakai Keen of Brisbane Region.
- Joyce Scorey Shield for Trainer of the Year
Nicole Bradley, Townsville SES Group, Northern Region
In recognition of exceptional dedication to the SES, continually going above and beyond to support SES Volunteer Trainers through mentorship, inclusion, collaboration, and communication.
Highly commended awarded to Annette Farrar of North Coast Region.
- Suncorp Spirit of SES Winner
Jenny Wilson, Gympie SES Group, North Coast Group
For exemplifying the Spirit of SES through outstanding leadership, operational readiness, community engagement, and recruitment, strengthening resilience and trust during operations.
Highly commended awarded to Dan Cordner of Northern Region and Justin Kirkby of Brisbane Region.
Life Member Awards
The SES Life Member Award recognises those volunteers who have given an outstanding individual commitment and special contribution to the service. The criterion for this award ranges from continuous long-term service, active participation in community engagement and performance of outstanding initiatives.
- Julie Casey, South East Region
- Anthony Daniel, Brisbane Region
- Kirsty Keddie, Central Region
- Robert Simmons, Far Northern Region
Life Member contributions by the recipients combined span over 100 years commitment and dedication to SES.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Stream said he acknowledged the ongoing support and dedication from SES members, particularly during severe weather events this year.
"SES teams are by our sides through police operations, land searches, cyclones, storms, and floods and today outstanding SES members have been recognised for their courage and support," Acting Deputy Commissioner Stream said.
"The SES doesn't just work alongside us - they are an integral part of the team, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Queenslanders."
Chief Officer Mark Armstrong celebrated the resilience and spirit of SES staff and volunteers.
"As SES Week draws to a close, I want to thank every SES member across Queensland for their unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment to keeping our communities safe - rain, hail or shine," Chief Officer Armstrong said.
"These awards are not just a celebration of individual excellence - they're a reflection of the incredible strength and unity of the entire SES family across Queensland."
The Queensland SES State Awards recognise the exceptional service and spirit of our volunteers. Each recipient exemplifies the values of courage, teamwork, and selflessness that define the SES.
Can you see yourself in orange? To learn more about volunteering with Queensland SES, head to https://www.ses.qld.gov.au/join-us
For assistance with a life-threatening situation phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For assistance with non-life-threatening situations - such as help with a damaged roof or storm damage - phone SES on 132 500.
Keep up to date with the latest weather advice at Queensland Warnings Summary (bom.gov.au).
