Last night, NSW Clarence Nambucca Region SES volunteers were recognised for their dedicated service at a local awards ceremony attended by Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser, Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker and Commissioner Mark Smethurst.
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There were 37 award recipients and more than 330 years of combined service were recognised.
Awards for Dorrigo included Kymbalee Tarran – 10 years Long Service medal; Johnathon Tarran – Commissioner’s Letter of Appreciation for a rescue done at the V Wall in Nambucca Heads with the Coffs Harbour unit; Nicola McDonald – National Medal and 15 years Long Service award (absent on night) and Jason Williams – 10 years Long Service medal (absent on night).
For Bellingen, Barbara Moore – Commissioner’s Letter of Appreciation for her work with community engagement; Kenneth Leader – 25 years Long Service award and National Medal clasp; George Ellem – 10 years Long Service medal; Travis Leader – National Medal and 15 years Long Service medal (absent on night).
In Urunga, Ross Denny – 15 years Long Service medal; David Cox –10 years Long Service medal.
The Commissioners Letter of Appreciation is awarded to individuals or teams for outstanding work within the NSW SES.
The National Medal was established in 1975 as one of the original elements of the distinctive Australian Honours and Award System. The medal recognises 15 years of diligent service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. A clasp is awarded for each additional 10 year period of service.
The NSW SES Long service medal is awarded to volunteers and staff of the NSW SES who have achieved a period of diligent service of 10 years (not necessarily continuous).
The additional awards of clasps and ribbons bar emblems will be awarded at the completion of each further 10 years accumulated service.
Jaclyn Tarran said the award to members of the Coffs unit, which included her brother Johnathon Tarran, was for skill and teamwork during a rescue of a fisherman at the V wall in Nambucca Heads.
“The gentleman had slid head first into a crevice in the rock wall which proved to be very tricky, dangerous and difficult extraction,” Jaclyn said.
Andrew Fraser said that our men and women in orange do amazing work, often under the most challenging circumstances.
“These devoted volunteers are the lifeblood of their units, and it is my pleasure to be able to acknowledge their hard work and commitment,” Mr Fraser said.
The Clarence Nambucca Region comprises 15 SES Units, including Dorrigo and Bellingen, which respond to storm and flood operations across numerous Local Government Areas.
In addition to storm and flood responses, the volunteer members also provide support to other emergency services including the Ambulance Service of NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Force, and the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The Clarence Nambucca Region members also help promote resilience through community education programs and engaging in community based events and activities.
The awards presentation included National Medals and Clasps, Long Service Medals, and Clasps and Certificates in recognition of the members’ diligent service.
NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst saluted the team spirit across the region.
“Our volunteers respond rapidly to natural disasters and emergencies, saving lives and protecting our communities,” Commissioner Smethurst said.
“I thank each and every one of these people for their incredible community spirit and their ongoing contribution to our Service.”
It has been a busy operational time for all of the Clarence Nambucca Region units, responding to more than 900 requests for assistance in the past 12 months.
If you are interested in joining the NSW SES as a volunteer please go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 201 000.