Victoria State Emergency Service members honoured

Two Victoria State Emergency Service members were given Australia’s highest honours over the weekend.

Glenn O’Donnell, putting Victorians first for 27 years

Glenn has tirelessly served the Victorian community through 27 years of service with VICSES. It’s been a priority that has often come before work and family commitments to ensure his local SES unit is ready to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

He was key in the move and renovation of Nillumbik Unit facilities – from a two bay garage and vehicle shed with a port-a-loo in the backyard, to a large, purpose-built garage and workshop completed in 2015.

Glenn exemplifies leadership, direction, emotional guidance, passion for his volunteer work and continual support to others. Respected by peers and staff, Glenn’s sacrifice of personal time and extending over and above what is expected of a volunteer to ensure the success of large scale events, operational or otherwise,

Des Smith receives Order of Australia Medal

Des is Unit Controller for not one, but two, vital SES Units – Dimboola and Nhill. His SES volunteer efforts began in 1987. In 1991 he became Unit Controller for Nhill and then Dimboola since 2014. He is also a volunteer for the Country Fire Authority, counting 30 years of service.

Read more about his commitment to helping the community and volunteering in his town in The Wimmera Mail-Times.

If you’ve ever wondered where you can nominate someone for an honour, visit the Governor Generals website.