State Emergency Service (SES) Week has concluded with the State Awards Ceremony in Brisbane at the Royal International Convention Centre on August 31.
Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, joined Acting Deputy Commissioner, Disaster and Emergency Management, Queensland Police Service (QPS), Mr Chris Stream and SES Officer Mark Armstrong at the award ceremony.
The Minister presented the Minister’s Cup for the Queensland Member of the Year to Kieran Galey of the Bundaberg Regional SES Unit. This award is presented for distinguished levels of service by an individual to the SES. Galey was recognised for his work training, leading and managing the local Bundaberg unit.
The Deputy Commissioner presented the Commissioner’s Cup to the Unit/Group of the Year. This year’s winner was Moreton Bay City SES Unit for outstanding dedication to sustained and continuous improvement in the areas of operational readiness, member training and unit culture.
SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong presented the Chief Officer’s Shield for Operational Response of the Year. The award went to the Far Northern Region for displaying professionalism, courage and dedication during the preparation and immediate emergency response during and after TC Jasper and the devastating floods that followed.
SES Week ran from August 24 to 31 and is an 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 throughout the last week to acknowledge their high achievers 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 ceremony.
SES Week State Awards categories included: Regional Young Member of the Year; Regional Member of the Year; Regional Unit or Group of the Year; Regional Operational Response of the Year; Regional Trainer of the Year and SES Week Certificates.
State Award Winners
- Minister’s Cup for Member of the Year
Kieran Galey, Bundaberg Regional SES Unit
For distinguished service to the SES through his contribution to training, leadership and management of the Bundaberg Regional SES Unit.
- Commissioner’s Cup for Unit/Group of the Year
Moreton Bay City SES Unit
For outstanding dedication to sustained and continuous improvement in the areas of operational readiness, member training and unit culture.
- Chief Officer’s Shield for Operational Response of the Year
Far Northern Region TC Jasper Response
For combined, united SES response, displaying professionalism, courage, dedication, selflessness and empathy during the preparation and immediate emergency response during and after TC Jasper, and the devastating floods that followed.
- Director’s Award for Young Member of the Year
Heather Robertson, Redland Bay Group
For distinguished service to the Redland City SES unit through commitment to developing training, operations, and leadership capabilities, enhancing her contribution to the community.
- Joyce Scorey Shield for Trainer of the Year
Stanley (Stan) Ryan, Cooroy Group
For distinguished service to the SES through unwavering service and incredible commitment to training new recruits to high standards.
- Suncorp Spirit of SES Winner
Cindel Richardson, Cleveland Group
- Life Member Awards
– Marilyn George, Edmonton Group
– William (Doug) Savage, Gladstone Group
– Donn Thomson, Ayr Group
– Gregory Tierney, Blackall Group
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP
“SES has long provided Queensland communities with local emergency support in times of disaster and emergency. This could not be achieved without the thousands of volunteers who work together to help those in need when they it the most, time and time again.”
“SES volunteers are the backbone of this invaluable community service and we thank them for their ongoing contributions.”
“The commitment and selfless heroism of these volunteers demonstrates to all of us what happens when community helps community.”
Quotes attributable to Acting Deputy Commissioner, Disaster and Emergency Management, QPS, Mr Chris Stream
“SES Week and these State Awards are a chance to say thank you to our orange army who have always provided assistance to QPS, whether it’s with high profile land searches, assessing cyclone damage, storms, floods, the list goes on.”
“All volunteers across the state sacrifice their personal time to not only help in emergencies but to be able to attend training and readiness sessions. Thank you to all the incredible volunteers for your support and dedication.”
“Our relationship and connection with SES has and will always be incredibly strong. In times of need we have always come together to ensure our community is safe and supported.”
Quotes attributable to Mr Mark Armstrong, Chief Officer, SES
“Our SES volunteers truly embody the Queensland spirit and go above and beyond to keep Queenslanders safe.”
“SES Week marks an important event in the calendars of our staff and volunteers. It provides the opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication that the SES provides to the communities of Queensland.”
“Our volunteers make a difference every day. SES volunteers are the heart and soul of our emergency and rescue service, always ready to respond to emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year.”
