Fifteen State Emergency Service volunteers from the Brisbane Region were recognised today (Saturday) for their efforts to help Queenslanders at an awards ceremony at the Emergency Services Complex in Kedron.
Representing Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford, Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister and Member for Stafford Dr Anthony Lynham said SES volunteers were critical to Queenslanders in a state vulnerable to extreme weather.
"The SES Week awards celebrate and recognise SES volunteers and acknowledge the critical importance of the work they do in communities around Queensland," Dr Lynham said.
"Unit of the Year was awarded to Moreton Bay Regional SES Unit for their outstanding performance in Unit administration, and dedication to continuous improvement in the training and development of its volunteer members.
"I also had the pleasure of awarding Operational Response of the Year to Brisbane City SES Unit for their outstanding response during Operation Paratus at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay and Operation Fortis.
"SES Member of the Year was Julie-Anne Jacobson, Moreton Bay Regional SES Unit, for distinguished service to the SES through contribution to the VCE Program, and Regional Trainer of the Year was awarded to Kevin Nash, Brisbane City SES Unit, for outstanding service to the SES through the consistent delivery of a high standard of training."
Mr Crawford said SES Week 2018 was a national celebration saluting members and groups who had excelled in their service.
"The amazing work done by SES volunteers couldn’t happen unassisted and SES Week also provides an opportunity for us to thank the family, friends and employers of our volunteers for the support they provide," he said.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Brisbane SES Region had 1,115 active SES members across its three units, who undertake a range of functions including agency support, flood boat, incident management, land search, specialist rescue, storm damage and traffic management.
"Since July this year, Brisbane Region SES volunteers have completed more than 1,850 hours responding to operational needs and have spent a further 20,940 volunteer hours in training, administration, group exercises, courses, public education, recruitment, fundraising and equipment maintenance," Ms Carroll said.
"A total of 82 volunteers were deployed from Brisbane to Gympie to assist with operations and help the community recover after recent heavy storm activity – 41 volunteers were deployed on Friday and an additional 41 were deployed on Saturday."
SES members and units were presented with 30 SES Meritorious Service Medals and Clasps, and eight National Medals and Clasps.
SES Assistant Commissioner Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Rex Wigney (Redland City SES Unit), Laurie Holt (Redland City SES Unit), Janette Dwyer (Moreton Bay Regional SES Unit), Lisa Camus (Brisbane City SES Unit) and Cameron Dodson (Brisbane City SES Unit).
SES Week Certificates were awarded to Shane Jones (Moreton Bay Regional SES Unit), David Concannon (Brisbane City SES Unit), Janette Wilson (Moreton Bay Regional SES Unit), Bob Duke (Brisbane City SES Unit), Kate De Their (Brisbane City SES Unit), Rudi Poldoja (Brisbane City SES Unit), Peta McNaughton (Brisbane City SES Unit), David Frarricciardi (Redland City SES Unit), Timothy Willis (Redland City SES Unit) and Clint Fulgrabe (Moreton Bay Regional SES Unit).
