Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), North East Region held its annual awards ceremony on Saturday in Benalla – with seven local volunteers receiving recognition.
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They joined unit volunteers from across the North East who were recognised for their long service, dedication and a commitment to responding to calls for assistance from both their local communities and surrounding communities.
The seven local award winners are:
Brett Taylor-Parkins – 15 Years’ Service Medal and National Medal;
Sarah Ford - 15 Years’ Service Medal and National Medal;
Bob Bunting - 15 Years’ Service Medal and National Medal;
Deborah Butterworth - 15 Years’ Service Medal and National Medal;Dale Frankland - 10 Years’ Service;
Troy Milner - 10 Years’ Service;
Graham Milner - 10 Years’ Service; and
Colin Croxford – Life Member Award and 40 Years’ Service Medal.
Members from 26 units were presented with several different medals including: Long Service Medals, the National Medal for service, and the coveted Life Membership medal for service rendered through countless hours serving their local communities.
Benalla’s Graham Milner and his son Troy joined SES at the same time and were honoured with 10-year service medals.
“I was aware that I had had more than 10-year service with the SES and I was aware that there was an award for that,” Mr Milner said.
“So it wasn’t a shock, but it is an extreme privilege to have served the Benalla community for so long as a volunteers.
“My son Troy joined at the same time as me, and it was nice as father and son to both received medals at the event.
“Since we started Troy has gone on to work at the regional office. We have the Benalla unit of SES who go out and do the physical work as well as the regional office who coordinate everything, which is also in Benalla, but covers the whole north east area.
“It was a great event at the Bowls club, it was well run and well organised and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.”
VCSES is Victoria’s response agency for flood, storm, earthquake and tsunami emergencies.
They also provide road crash rescue and assist other emergency services with search and rescue operations.
SES volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks, including cutting up dangerous trees felled by storms, sandbagging critical community infrastructure to protect them from floods and rescuing people who have been stranded, lost or injured.
They are also out in their communities demonstrating and discussing how people can be prepared and resilient long before disaster strikes.
Between emergencies, SES volunteers work tirelessly to keep their skills sharp through regular and accredited training.
They are also active in their communities performing tasks such as collecting funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal and supporting a number of community events.
On Saturday presentations were made to volunteers from: North East Region Headquarters Unit and Beechworth; Bright; Cobram; Corryong; Myrtleford; Tallangatta; Alexandra; Kinglake; Marysville; Benalla; Bright; Kilmore; Mansfield; Murchison; Rutherglen; Wangaratta; Wodonga; Yarrawonga; and Yackandandah Units.
North East Regional Manager, Keith O’Brien thanked all SES volunteers who worked throughout the year responding to emergencies including the recent Hume Freeway flooding.
“We would like to take the time to recognise and celebrate our volunteers as they have all demonstrated why SES (members) are so highly valued and respected in our communities” Mr O’Brien said.
“Each Award recipient has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedicated countless hours to serving their local communities.
“Our SES volunteers are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to assist people in times of need and their commitment to providing emergency services is appreciated by all those they help.
“I would like to congratulate the 2019 recipients, along with all SES volunteers around the State, for their invaluable contribution to enhancing the safety of North East Victorians.”
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