The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is delighted to see Ulladulla unit commander, Tracy Provest, awarded Overall Officer of the Year in a Volunteer Capacity at the Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA).
The RESCA awards celebrate unsung heroes who make outstanding contributions to the community, commending emergency service personnel who go above and beyond in their call of duty.
Embodying Rotary’s motto of ‘service above self’, Tracy was recognised for her 48 years of service in the NSW SES, doubling the number of volunteers at her unit and her role in the 2019/2020 bushfires which saw the Ulladulla Unit operational for 67 consecutive days.
NSW SES South Eastern Zone Acting Commander, Superintendent Tom Jory, said the Ulladulla Unit and community are lucky to have volunteers like Tracy in the service.
“Tracy is well deserving of this award and is an integral part of her community who has guided the Ulladulla Unit with distinction through the last few years of uncertainty,” Superintendent Jory said.
“Her leadership has helped the community overcome the challenges of a pandemic and sustained severe weather and flooding.
“The Unit’s success is a testament to Tracy’s commitment and leadership. The fact that a NSW SES member was the overall winner in the volunteer category is great recognition of our members’ dedication over a sustained period of severe weather and flooding.”
Tracy joined as a volunteer in 1974 while still at school. She attributes the longevity of her service to ongoing opportunities for personal and community development. Since joining the NSW SES, she has become qualified in the operation of flood boats, chainsaws, storm and general rescue, incident control and planning.
“There’s always something for everyone, regardless of your gender, age, ability or disability,” Ms Provest said.
“The NSW SES is all-encompassing because you interact with people from all walks of life. You join the service for the chance to help the community, and you stay because of the bonus camaraderie.”
Ms Provest dedicated her win to the people around her.
“I am really thrilled that I am being recognised for this award, though it is not about me. Without the support of my amazing family and wonderful team, I would not have been able to do what I have achieved,” Ms Provest said.
The NSW SES also congratulates volunteers who were named as finalists at RESCA: Michael Horn from Waverley Woollahra, John Hughes from Blue Mountains and Raymond Merz from Shellharbour, as well as Braydon Squires from Wingecarribee who was nominated for the Dorothy Hennessy Youth Scholarship.
