Moreton Bay SES volunteers decorated during SES Week celebrations
Published 20 September 2023
Moreton Bay State Emergency Services (SES) Unit members were recognised with glittering commendations this month at the SES Week Regional Awards ceremony (8 September) and SES Week State Awards ceremony (16 September).
Mayor Peter Flannery said the City of Moreton Bay was a better place thanks to these selfless individuals.
"Council proudly supports our local SES team and time and time again, these volunteers rise to the challenge of helping our community during times of need," he said.
“Each year they receive thousands of calls for assistance and apply their range of talents and expertise to bettering our community.
“In 2022, they were certainly put to the test as our city grappled with the effects of major flooding.
“It is wonderful to see their dedication and commitment to our community recognised as part of SES Week 2023.
“The Deception Bay SES Group took home the Commissioner’s Cup for SES Group of the Year - a well-deserved award for their outstanding commitment, dedication and continuous improvement over the past 12 months.
“And individual awards went to Ronald Aquilina, Patrick McShane and David Bailey for their outstanding efforts and bravery while conducting rescues in dangerous floodwater.
“I am thrilled to have so many decorated SES members in our city, working tirelessly to make our Moreton Bay a better place to live, work and play.
“Congratulations to all those recognised and thank you to all of the dedicated volunteers across our city who truly embody the spirit of Moreton Bay.”
Sean Harrop, Local Controller of SES Services in City of Moreton Bay said the local SES team would not have been able to do what they have without the generous support of Council.
"Council funding provides extra training, new vehicles and updated facilities as well as the staff members, myself included, to manage the volunteer teams," he said.
“Continuous improvement is a major focus for our local crews.
“Like our city, Moreton Bay SES Unit is growing, evolving and changing to meet the challenges presented to us as a result of climate change.
“Over the past 18 months, and particularly since the 2022 floods, all members of Moreton Bay SES Unit have dedicated themselves to bettering their own skills and improving their Groups and our Unit overall.
“Hundreds of SES members gave countless hours to help those in need and it is rewarding to have a number of them recognised, through the multiple awards, medals, and commendations received, for their bravery and service.”
The Moreton Bay SES Unit is proudly supported in partnership by both the City of Moreton Bay and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Community members can join the Moreton Bay SES Unit by completing the Membership Enquiry form online.
AWARDS PRESENTED:
Commissioner’s Cup for SES Group of the Year - Moreton Bay SES Unit - Deception Bay
Certificate for outstanding support to SES - City of Moreton Bay
Commissioner's Commendation of Notable Action - Ronald Aquilina, Moreton Bay SES Unit, Petrie: For outstanding professionalism and skill in hazardous circumstances - particularly for conduct in flood boat and flood damage operations during February 2022.
(Commissioner’s Commendation of Notable Action recognises a member who performs a significant act as a result of being placed in a potentially hazardous situation beyond that of normal requirement)
Commissioner's Commendation for Bravery - Patrick McShane & David Bailey, Moreton Bay SES Unit - Deception Bay: For bravery in boat rescues during 2022 floods and saving two community members, travelling through dangerous flood water and extreme conditions, to ensure safety despite risk to themselves.
(The Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery Award is presented to recognise a member who performs an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances above and beyond the reasonable call of duty)