News

NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers from across the Illawarra have been recognised for their diligent service to their community at an awards ceremony.

Acting NSW SES Deputy Commissioner, Daniel Crocco joined members in celebrating their achievements in Wollongong on Sunday (19 March 2023).

Mr Crocco presented prestigious National Medals and Long Service Awards to 19 members from the NSW SES Wollongong and Dapto Units.

“It is a privilege to present these awards to such longstanding and dedicated members of the Service. The collective service of award recipients exceeds 325 years of service. What an achievement and such a wealth of knowledge for the Illawarra region,” he said.

NSW SES Dapto Unit volunteer, Edy Bianco, received his National Medal Clasp 2 for 35 years of service to the NSW SES.

Two Wollongong locals, Nicholas Ayre and Alexandra McFadden, received the National Emergency Medal for their response to Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

Mr Crocco acknowledged the commitment to the Service of each of the volunteers.

“The presentation of these awards is a fitting acknowledgment of our volunteers’ dedication and professionalism.

“The volunteers receiving awards today have responded to many of the nation’s major natural disasters over the years including 1998 Wollongong floods, Cyclone Yasi, the 2009 Victorian and 2019/20 NSW bushfires and of course the devastating floods across NSW last year,” he said.

The NSW SES is made up of over 10,000 volunteers serving the communities of NSW in response to floods and storms.