Congratulations to our awardees

Congratulations to all of the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who were included in the Australia 2014 Honours List on Australia Day.

Victoria SES volunteers give their time and passion to keeping their community safe. While they don’t do it for the accolades, every member of the service is deserving of recognition. On behalf of all Victorians, the staff, Board and Executive of Victoria SES thank everyone who donates their time.

This year’s winners are as follows.

Recipients of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM)

William Falkenberg

Mr Falkenberg has been a member of Balmoral SES since 1980, and was awarded for service to primary industry through executive roles with apiculture associations, including Executive Council Member of the Victorian Apiarists’ Association from 1989 to 1974.

Merridee Hardinge

Mrs Hardinge has been a member of Altona SES for almost 30 years and holds the positions of Treasurer and Administration Section Leader. She has also been Team Leader, Welfare and fundraising and both an operational and community support volunteer. Mrs Hardinge has been rewarded for her service to the community of Hobsons Bay. She has previously been the recipient of the Hobsons Bay City Council’s Inspirational Women Award,  Volunteer of the Year Award and Certificate of Merit. She was recognised as Altona SES Member of the Year in 2011 and received the Alan J Holding Award from the Lions Club of Altona in 2009 for community service.

Stanley Henke

Mr Henke has volunteered with Rupanyup SES since 1980 and in that time has served as Training Officer for many years, was Controller from 1992 to 1997 and Deputy Controller for 13 years. He has been rewarded for service to the communities of Minyip, Rupanyup and Murtoa.

 John Howie

Mr Howie was Controller of Mansfield SES from 1993 to 1998, Officer-in-Charge of Search and Rescue from 1975 to 1982 and a volunteer with the Victorian Civil Defence Organisation from 1956 to 1974, where he established the Mounted Search and Rescue Horse Group.

He has been recognised as Apexian of the Year by the Mansfield APEX Club in 1964 and 1973, received the SES Director’s Award in 1999 for recognition of his many years of valued service, as well as his 55 years’ Service Certificate.

He has also been awarded by the Council of Intellectual Disability Agencies for his many years of work in Autism services.

Recipients of the Emergency Services Medal (ESM)

Martin Forber

Mr Forber has served voluntarily with Victoria SES for more than 30 years, holding numerous management positions with two separate units. Mr Forber readily took on the responsibility of establishing new headquarters for the Frankston Unit, and both volunteers and staff within SES hold him in the highest regard. Mr Forber's personal contribution towards assisting not only his community but also surrounding communities throughout Victoria in their time of need has been remarkable.

Stanley Hendy

Mr Hendy has served Victoria SES and the emergency services arena for more than 35 years and his level of professionalism is to be commended. Mr Hendy's knowledge and expertise have seen him hold several management positions during his tenure, and he has utilised his experience to mentor other SES staff in emergency management planning. He has provided significant technical expertise to the development of local flood planning and trained volunteers in the delivery of programs aimed at youth and designed to improve community awareness to the dangers of floods and storms.

Local awards

2014 Hume City Citizen of the Year Award

Kevin O’Callaghan, a past Unit Controller and founding member of the Craigieburn Unit, was named Hume’s Citizen of the Year for his significant contribution to the Hume City Council, not only to the SES but other community activities.

2014 Frankston City Citizen of the Year Award

Phillip Holt the Unit Controller of Springvale Unit who has been a volunteer with SES for over 30 years, was named Frankston City Citizen of the Year for his selfless commitment to others, inspiring spirit and dedication to volunteering.

2014 Frankston City Young Citizen of the Year Award

Dimity Lynch is a Deputy Team Leader with Frankston SES and was awarded Frankston City Young Citizen of the Year for her extremely active participation in the local community.

In addition to being named Frankston City Young Citizen of the Year, Dimity was nominated by Frankston City Council for the Victorian Young Achiever award in the community service category.

Moorabool Shire Mayor’s Award - Young Citizen of the Year

Chantelle Dawes received her award for contributions to CFA and St John’s Ambulance. Chantelle joined the Bacchus March Unit in 2013 as a junior member.