The Redland State Emergency Service (SES) has picked up nine of 14 awards handed out at the 2019 Queensland Regional SES Awards ceremony in Brisbane.
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Mayor Karen Williams said the result reflects the outstanding efforts of Redlands Coast SES volunteers whose dedication in keeping residents safe during time of disaster has been richly rewarded.
“I am sure the community will join with me in congratulating the Redland SES Unit for winning so many awards at last weekend’s ceremony held to honour SES members around the state,” she said.
“We are very lucky to have one of the hardest working, community minded SES teams in Queensland here on the Redlands Coast to protect residents during floods, fires and other natural disasters.’’
The awards, held during Queensland SES Week (October 12-19) provide an opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to all SES members and honour those for their length of service or exceptional performance throughout the year.
Cr Williams said to take home nine of 14 awards is an extraordinary result and include Regional Operational Response of the Year, Regional SES Unit of the Year and Regional SES Member of the Year.
“For many of us, we don’t think about how much hard work goes in to training for the SES, until we need them,” she said.
“Our SES is about people helping people and I also pay tribute to the families they leave behind to rush out and respond to a community in distress.
“I thank you for all your training, dedication and willingness to help and congratulate you once again for an outstanding result.”
Regional Awards collected are:
- Operational Response of the Year for providing operational support during the North Stradbroke Island fires.
- Regional Unit of the Year 2019 for outstanding service and operational support to the local, regional and state communities.
- Regional Member of the Year 2019: Tim Willis for distinguished service to the SES through his exemplary efforts in providing peer support and operational response to the Unit and the Redland community.
Individual Awards were also won by the following Redland SES team members for special contribution to the service.
- Gemma Kuhn. For exemplary efforts to provide innovative and practical training, administration and operational support.
- Robert Hurren. For dedicated, tireless service in maintaining operational readiness and providing flood boat resources.
- Helen McKenna. For leadership to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Group and the islands’ community.
- Christopher Evans. For maintaining a high level of operational readiness and providing support to all members.
- Daniel Tuckwood. For thorough the provision of continuous training.
- Justin Kirkby. For exceptional dedication and commitment in developing members’ skills.
Three members of the Redlands SES Unit also received the following medals in recognition of years served.
- SES Meritorious Service Medal for 10 years of service: Daniel Tuckwood.
- Meritorious Service 1st Clasp for 15 years of service: Alex Johnson
- Meritorious Service 1st Clasp for 20 years of service: Anne-Marie Bennett.
Redlands SES has also been nominated for a number of accolades at the State SES Awards to be held next weekend.
