Awards recognise dedicated SES volunteers

State Emergency Service volunteers across the Moreton Bay Region have been recognised for their dedication and commitment in the service’s annual awards.

Moreton Bay SES Unit acting Controller Alan Peterson says the awards ceremony was a little different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The region’s eight groups convened at their own premises and shared their success via video link, which also connected them with dignitaries at the Strathpine council chamber, where the overall Unit Awards were presented.

Dedicated volunteers

“The awards recognise members from across the unit for their commitment and involvement in SES activities in the past 12 months,” Alan says.

Mayor Peter Flannery, councillors, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Police also joined the celebrations.

Group Member awards were announced at the event, as well as Unit Awards recognising volunteers from across all the region’s groups after a rigorous judging process that Alan says lasted about a month.

Honours for Group Members

Sarah Coles was named the Group Member for Arana Hills, while Ian Moxham was awarded the honour for Bribie Island.

Courtney Black was chosen as Group Member for Caboolture, Rachael Illing took the Deception Bay award, with Mitchel Child (Petrie), Euros Lewis (Redcliffe) and Kylie Ross (Woodford) completing the group.

Warren Briskey was named the Unit Trainer of the year, recognising him as the top trainer from all the groups in the region.

Unit awards announced

The Unit Member of the year award was presented to Kahlila Lehtonen, of the Caboolture SES group, with Petrie SES member Leanne Kellett given the Unit award for Inspiring Leadership.

Ben Arthur from the Woodford SES was honoured with the Unit award for Outstanding Service.

Meritorious awards for 5, 10 and 15 years of service were also presented on the night, along with a National SES medal for more than 15 years of service, which was awarded to Alan, who’s clocked up more than 16 years.

How to get involved

Alan says people join the SES for all sorts of reasons and don’t necessarily have to work on the front line.

“Some people want to work in welfare or operations and others just want to get out there and get on roofs,” he says.

Find out about joining the SES here.

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