Deception Bay SES volunteers win award

Deception Bay SES volunteers have been honoured at the annual SES Week State Award ceremony.

The Deception Bay SES unit volunteers received numerous awards on September 16, including the Commissioner's Cup for Unit of the Year, for their exceptional work during the 2022 floods and for supporting hundreds of people during missing person’s searches and other emergencies.

SES Local Controller Sean Harrop says the Deception Bay unit has worked hard during the past 18 months to improve.

“The Deception Bay unit should take a moment and reflect on what they have managed to achieve over the last 18 months since the 2022 floods. There are 297 SES Groups in Queensland and to be the 2023 State SES Group of the Year is a massive achievement,” Sean says.

“They should be proud of their accomplishment and take a moment to recognise their achievements before continuing on. I know this is just the first step on a long journey for the Deception Bay unit but what they have achieved so far is worthy of recognition.”

Sean says the SES Week State awards are important for so many reasons.

“Both regional and state SES Week Awards are really important. SES members tend to be very humble people. To them, the selflessness and dedication they show every week to complete training and keep their skills sharp ready to help those in need is what anyone would do,” he explains.

“It’s not though, because SES members routinely put their needs last to help others in need during their worst days. SES Week is the perfect time for the organisation, the Queensland Government and our fellow community members to stop and recognise the outstanding work and dedication of SES members and the work they do every day.”

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan says the most important part of SES week is honouring the dedicated volunteers who assist our communities.

“An integral part of SES week is recognising and thanking volunteers for their ongoing service and dedication,” Mr Ryan says.

“The SES has thousands of dedicated volunteers who assist communities during adverse weather events.

“Our SES volunteers are outstanding for their hard work, commitment and professionalism, which is demonstrated many times a day.”

The Moreton Bay SES unit and its seven groups are currently looking for 100 new members to join the team, beginning in early 2024.

Find out more information and register your interest here.

Full list of honours and awards

The Deception Bay unit was awarded:

• Highly Commended Regional Group or Unit of the Year - Moreton Bay SES unit
• Regional Group or Unit of the Year - Deception Bay SES group
• Regional Operational Response of the Year - January 2023 Deception Bay storms
• Highly Commended - Regional Operational Response of the Year - joint award between Moreton Bay unit, Redlands unit, and Brisbane unit for members assistance to Southwestern SES unit’s response to a forensic search assisting QPS at Wieambilla after the police shooting in December 2022

The Deception Bay unit members were awarded:

• Two Commissioners Commendations for bravery for rescuing people from Monty's Marina during the 2022 floods
• One Commissioners Commendation of Notable Action for a member who performed many flood boat rescues during the 2022 floods
• Highly Commended member for Regional Young Member of the Year
• Five General SES Week Awards
• Six members received national medals and clasps for length of service
• 15 members received SES Meritorious Service medals and clasps for length of service to SES

See the photos below (click through)