A commitment to emergency management and enhancing rescue response across multiple states has earned an NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteer an Order of Australia Medal.
NSW SES Hunter Capability Unit Deputy Commander Stephen Leahy has dedicated his life to emergency services, having joined the Victorian Police Force in 1983 before taking on roles with Surf Life Saving NSW, Surf Life Saving Australia, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, and now the SES.
Mr Leahy said his proudest career achievement was being at the forefront of bringing a search and rescue helicopter service to the NSW South Coast, to provide rapid response to emergency incidents.
“The Far South Coast was a real black spot in terms of having rapid helicopter support. There were too many drownings, many parts of the region are remote, and the nearest rescue helicopters were in Wollongong or Canberra,” Mr Leahy said.
“It was huge to get that off the ground and provide a dedicated search and rescue helicopter service to south-eastern NSW through the Westpac Live Saver service.”
Mr Leahy is now using his emergency management skills in a volunteer capacity to enhance the NSW SES and build a strong incident management team in his local area.
“At the moment, I am helping to build the skills and knowledge of members in the Hunter Capability Unit so we can provide rapid incident management response as needed,” Mr Leahy said.
“The Unit Commander and Deputy Unit Commander are doing a lot of work, and the project is working really well.”
After just a few months with the SES, Mr Leahy was tasked to Broken Hill as the Incident Controller overseeing the response to the flooding across Menindee and surrounds.
“It was a great experience, and I was able to lean on the fantastic local members and the intelligence they were able to provide,” Mr Leahy said.
“When people are running away, SES volunteers are running into the disaster zone to save lives and support their communities. To me, that has been so motivational.”
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM congratulated Mr Leahy for his OAM, and thanked him for his service.
“It’s through the service of our volunteers and individuals like Stephen, who embodies our mission of saving lives and protecting communities, that the NSW SES continues to positively impact on the lives of others,” Commissioner York said.
Being awarded the OAM in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List was a surprise to Mr Leahy, who is based in Nelson Bay.
“You don’t sign up to do this sort of work for the accolades and honours, but it’s nice when it comes along, and it’s heartening to be recognised,” Mr Leahy said.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support of some great mentors throughout my career, including at the NSW SES.”
Mr Leahy is still heavily involved in the Surf Life Saving fraternity as a volunteer and remains an integral part of the orange army.
