Four Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services members have been recognised for their outstanding service in the inaugural Administrator’s Awards held at Government House this evening.
The medals, which are bestowed on recipients by the Administrator of the Northern Territory, were established in September.
The new medals join the Administrator’s Medal for Aboriginal Community Police Officer of the Year, completing the suite of Police, Fire and Emergency Services Awards bestowed by the Administrator.
Nominations were open to the public, providing an opportunity for them to recognise and celebrate individual police officers, firefighters and emergency service employees or volunteers for their selfless commitment to keeping the community safe.
The four award recipients are:
· Administrator’s Medal for Police Officer of the Year – Constable First Class Mark Carrington
· Administrator’s Medal for Career Firefighter of the Year – Senior Station Officer Christopher Manuel
· Administrator’s Medal for Auxiliary or Volunteer Firefighter of the Year – Volunteer Fire Captain Hamish Burslem
· Administrator’s Medal for Emergency Service Employee or Volunteer of the Year – Unit Officer Joanne Killmister.
Following are short biographies for each recipient.
Mark Carrington
Mark joined the NT Police Force in 2017 and is currently a Constable First Class serving in Gapuwiyak. Mark maintains strong personal and respectful relationships with the Gapuwiyak community, including outstations. He is highly respected among the local Aboriginal community. Mark’s dedication to ensure the safety of victim-survivors and their families of domestic violence should be noted, he has worked tirelessly in this space and has done so in a manner which has protected the dignity of victims.
Christopher Manuel
Christopher joined the NT Fire and Rescue Service in 1996, dedicating over 26 years of service. He has served in locations including, Alice Springs, Katherine, Jabiru and Nhulunbuy. Christopher has strong operational experience and has attended countless large scale incidents and major emergencies. Chris is a role model for junior firefighters and has always gone above and beyond for his community and his colleagues, earning their trust and respect as a true leader.
Hamish Burslem
Hamish joined as a volunteer for the NT Fire and Rescue Service in May 2014. He has been actively serving as volunteer firefighter across the nation since he was 16 years of age. Hamish is a true leader who’s dedication to his brigade and community is evident through his actions. Not only is Hamish currently the Captain of the Howard Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, he was nominated and accepted the position of the Northern Command Work and Safety Volunteer representative in October this year.
Joanne Killmister
Joanne joined the NT Emergency Service Volunteer Unit in 2009. Joanne has lived in Maningrida for over 20 years and is a highly valued member of the community. Joanne prioritises her role as the Unit Officer above other commitments and is known for her incredible professionalism, ensuring the highest standards are upheld at the Maningrida unit. She dedicates her time ensuring members are adequately trained in search and rescue, first aid, road crash fire operations and basic rescue. Joanne is always there in the tough times and is willing to assist and protect the people and community of Maningrida.
