Central Region awards to dedicated volunteers

Central Region awards to dedicated volunteers

Published: 18/09/2017

The 176 award recipients have given a staggering combined 1,740 years of service – a fantastic contribution to Victorian communities!

The roles volunteers take on require professional training, ongoing availability and hard work. The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) awards program and awards nights held each year by each of the six regions in the state is our chance to say thanks. VICSES service certificates and long service were awarded for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 45 years’ service categories. Ten members received the National Medal for Service, representing 15 years of service.

The support of volunteer families and friends were acknowledged for their unwavering support and allowing their loved ones to do what they do best – help their local and neighbouring communities in times of emergency.   

Special tributes

In memory

Major Arthur Ford, VICSES Chaplain, led a tribute to members who passed away in the previous twelve months:

  1. Alan Alder OAM ESM – Life Member and founding member and Controller, Manningham (Doncaster) Unit – Joined VICSES in January, 1966
  2. John Stewart – Life Member and founding member and Controller, Moorabbin Unit – Joined VICSES in July, 1981
  3. Timothy Howell – National Medal Recipient and member, Whitehorse (Nunawading) Unit and Controller, Narre Warren Unit – Joined VICSES in January, 2000.

Their efforts will always be remembered.

Life membership

Two VICSES Life memberships were awarded to recipients:

  • Ron Fitch, Unit Controller - Chelsea Unit
  • Denis Brain, Unit Officer - Footscray Unit. 

Rising Star Award

  • Toby Richards, Port Phillip Unit, for demonstrating leadership potential and innovation.  The award also recognises Toby’s significant contribution to mentoring other volunteers who have obtained Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Leadership Scholarships.

Regional Manager Award - Volunteer of the Year

  • Ron Fitch, Chelsea Unit, for building strong connections with the City of Kingston Council staff, councillors, the Country Fire Authority and the local parliamentary member ensuring a secure future for Chelsea SES. It also recognises Ron’s willingness to be readily available for deployment during major events across the Victoria and Australia.

Unit awards

Unit Training Award

  • Maroondah Unit for providing Safe Work at Heights System training to a number of Central Region Units in SES SWAHS and 4WD courses.

Storm Award

  • Emerald Unit for most number of storm requests for assistance (RFAs) with 1201 RFAs during 2016- 2017.

Unit Achievement Award

  • Monash Unit – for building robust relationships with City of Monash
  • Whitehorse Unit – for exemplifying VICSES values and culture.

Above and Beyond Award

  • Craigieburn Unit – contribution of many volunteer hours establishing and curating of VICSES Museum
  • Knox Unit – housing, maintaining and ensuring ongoing operational capability for the mobile command vehicle and field operation vehicle within the region. 

Persistence Award

  • Broadmeadows Unit – for their perseverance in spite of the circumstances of the sale of the land on which their local headquarters is located, forcing the units’ imminent relocation
  • Footscray Unit – for their perseverance and focus on operational training and response in a challenging setting. 

Community Resilience Award  

Sorrento Unit – developing strong and robust connections with partner agencies and local government.

Congratulations and thank you to all involved!

Become a volunteer

Inspired? Why don’t you consider joining the SES as a volunteer? Visit our volunteer page on the website and submit your application.

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