Editor’s Note: Images available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/9eR5GUV9Fn
NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers from the Southwest Slopes received awards for their steadfast dedication and ongoing service to their communities at a ceremony last Thursday evening.
Eleven recipients, with more than 110 years of combined service, received awards at a ceremony held in Tumut, recognising their commitment to their communities over many decades.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone, who presented the awards at the ceremony, said the recipients are thoroughly deserving of the recognition.
“These awards celebrate the collective strength and resilience of our members. Each award recognises countless hours of hard work and commitment to safeguarding the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Malone said.
“The dedication and bravery of these members is nothing short of extraordinary. Their tireless efforts in not only flood and storm events, but also in the areas of road crash rescue, community first responder medical response and land search reflect the highest standards of community service.”
Tumut Unit member Wayne Ward received the 30-year long service award for his longstanding dedication to the local community.
Cootamundra Unit member Donald Ray and Tumut Unit member, John Curll both received the 20-year long service award for their selfless commitment to their communities.
The Tumut, Cootamundra and Khancoban units received a Commissioner’s certificate of appreciation for their outstanding dedication, commitment and professionalism in providing assistance to affected Southern Zone communities during the Southern NSW Flood Event from August 2022 to February 2023.
“Our award recipients have dedicated their lives to serving their communities, and I commend them for their service,” Assistant Commissioner Malone said.
Full list of award recipients:
| Award | Recipient |
National Emergency Medal & Clasp |
National Emergency Medals from the Bushfires 2019-20. These medals have been presented around the state – and it is wonderful recognition of those who provided service in contact with fire grounds. | Jeffery Barrington Diane Metcalf Joseph Calleja John Curll Steven Goode Paul McNamara Athol Price (posthumous Dianne Broad) | Cootamundra Unit Tumbarumba Shire Unit Tumut Unit Tumut Unit - Tumut Unit |
| NSW SES Commissioner’s certificate of Appreciation |
| In recognition of the outstanding dedication, commitment and professionalism in providing assistance to affected Southern Zone communities during the Southern NSW Flood Event from August 2022 to February 2023. | | Tumut Unit Cootamundra Unit Khancoban Unit |
| NSW SES Commissioner’s certificate of Appreciation |
| Covid 19 - For the Crucial role members played supporting and protecting communities of NSW during the Covid 19- pandemic between 1 February 2020 through to 11 October 2021 NSW SES Members displayed resilience, agility and fortitude in adapting existing work models to undertake business during the Covid-19 pandemic | | Tumut Unit Cootamundra Unit Khancoban Unit |
| |
| NSW SES 30 Year Long Service Award | Wayne Ward | Tumut Unit |
| NSW SES 20 Year Long Service Award | Donald Ray John Curll | Cootamundra Unit Tumut Unit |
| NSW SES 10 Year Long Service Award | Jeffrey Barrington Jaime Moers Steven Goode Lee Halpin | Cootamundra Unit Khancoban Unit Tumut Unit Tumut Unit |
Media enquiries:
NSW SES Media: 1800 067 234 or media@ses.nsw.gov.au