Two Redland City SES Unit volunteers win state awards

The Redland City State Emergency Service (SES) Unit has been recognised with two awards at the Queensland SES Awards held in Brisbane on Saturday 16 September 2023 as part of SES Week.

Sidrah Harcourt from Redland Bay SES Group was named the inaugural Queensland SES Young Member of the Year and Alexandra Baines, from Cleveland SES Group, won the Spirit of SES Award.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Karen Williams said this was the fourth consecutive year the Unit had been recognised with an individual category win at the state awards.

“These results are a reflection of the outstanding efforts of our local SES volunteers who give up their time to help keep our community safe no matter what nature has in store for us,” Cr Williams said.

“They are true community heroes who perform crucial work, using their training and teamwork to help the community in difficult times and reduce the potential for greater damage to property and infrastructure.

“Our local SES members are regularly recognised through annual regional and state awards and it is my pleasure to congratulate them, on behalf of the Redlands Coast community, for their success at both the Brisbane Region and state awards.”

Sidrah Harcourt was recognised for outstanding service in the areas of operations, group administration, recruitment and culture.

Alexandra Baines’ win was for demonstrated achievements in assisting the SES to achieve outcomes, being a strong role model and demonstrating leadership skills.

Redland City SES Unit had another two finalists at the state awards – David Frazer from Redland Bay SES Group in the Queensland Member of the Year category, and Cleveland SES Group member Donald Charles in the Spirit of SES Award.

Queensland SES Young Member of the Year Sidrah Harcourt.

Additionally, six Redland City SES Unit volunteers received SES Week certificates at the regional awards held on 8 September:

Alexandra Baines, Redland Bay, for outstanding contribution to the SES in the areas of leadership, training and operations. Donald Charles, Cleveland, for his special contribution to the SES through outstanding leadership within the Cleveland SES Group. Elizabeth Harris, Redland Bay, for outstanding commitment and service to the SES in the areas of operations and training. David Sondergeld, Redland Bay, for special contribution to the SES through exemplary efforts in resource maintenance and field operations. Angela Taylor, Cleveland, for her outstanding professionalism, passion and commitment to both SES and the community. Daniel Tuckwood, Redland Bay, for his outstanding service to the SES through the provision of dedicated leadership, training and member development.

Also at the regional awards, Ian Bacon from Cleveland SES Group received the SES Meritorious Service Medal 2nd Clasp for 20 years’ service and Leisa Battley, North Stradbroke Island SES Group Leader, received the QFES 10 Year Medal.

Redland City, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay SES Units were joint recipients of a Highly Commended in the Operational Response category for their exceptional response in supporting the South West Region for the Wiembilla forensic search.

Redland City SES Unit has around 130 members working across a range of voluntary roles including responding to storm damage to roofs and fallen trees, flood boat responses, evacuations, first aid and search and rescue.

There are also non-field roles in administration, community education and operational support that are no less important in responding to different types of disasters and emergencies.

For information on becoming an SES volunteer, visit qfes.qld.gov.au