Redlands Coast SES volunteers awarded for outstanding work

The Redland City State Emergency Service (SES) Unit has again shone bright at the annual Queensland SES Awards, with members winning two major awards and being a finalist in a third.

Heather Robertson was awarded the State Young Member of the Year; Cindel Richardson was awarded the Suncorp Spirit of the SES Award; and Justin Kirkby was a finalist in the State Member of the Year.

The Queensland SES Awards were held in Brisbane on Saturday 31 August 2024 as part of SES Week.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Jos Mitchell said the results were an “outstanding success”.

“The State Young Member of the Year award only commenced last year and the Redland City SES Unit have now won for both years,” the Mayor said.

“Heather’s tremendous efforts, efficiency and enthusiasm were recognised this year, following Sidrah Harcourt from Redland Bay SES Group winning the inaugural award in 2023.”

At the SES Brisbane Regional Awards Night held earlier in August, Heather was awarded Regional Young Member of the Year, while Justin was named Regional Member of the Year 2024 for his outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment.

The Mayor said the Suncorp Spirit of the SES Award won by Cindel was only offered at State level. It was for the volunteer who exemplifies the qualities of the SES, excels as a leader and is a strong role model to others.

“This award has been offered for the past three years, and the Redland City SES Unit members have now won the award two years in a row,” she said.

“These results at the regional and state awards really show how outstanding our local SES volunteers are and what crucial work they do in difficult times.

“These awards also reflect the great support that Redland City Council provides to the Redland City SES Unit, which has been recognised at all levels of the State Emergency Service.”

Also recognised at the regional awards night were the following Redland City SES Unit members who received SES Week Awards celebrating their outstanding efforts in service to the SES and their community: Lucy Golding, Vanessa Hein, Brendon Linning, Cat Malcolm, Liz McClaughlin, Tony Morton, Sarah Mulholland, Lisa Nardone and Neill Stromburg.

In addition, the following people were recognised with medals and clasps for years of service to the Redlands community: Anne- Marie Bennett (25-year clasp), Justin Dunn (25-year clasp), Cindel Richardson (15-year clasp), Daniel Tuckwood (15-year clasp), Scott Barnes (10-year medal), Jamie Richardson (15-year clasp) and Richard Feltham (10-year medal).

Redland City SES Unit has about 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