On Tuesday 30th September both NSW SES Batemans Bay and Moruya Units came together for a joint awards ceremony at the Moruya Golf Club celebrating the dedication and achievements of our members. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit and commitment of both units in serving the Eurobodalla Community and NSW State Emergency Service.
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Mrs Fiona Phillips (Federal Member for Gilmore), Dr Michael Holland (State Member for Bega), NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM, NSW SES Superintendent Tom Jury and Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Mayor Mathew Hatcher.
The night began with speeches from the 5 dignitaries with a special tribute to the late Trevor Bennett who recently passed away after dedicating an impressive 50 years of service in the NSW SES and has left a lasting legacy withing the organisation and the wider community.
NSW SES Batemans Bay and Moruya Units were then awarded a Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for the work done in the Covid 19 Pandemic.
A Commissioner’s Commendation for Service awarded to our NSW SES Unit Commander of Moruya Unit- Emily Chapman and Jacklyn Roque NSW SES Community Engagement Officer for the Eurobodalla Cluster for their outstanding efforts in initiating and supporting special project work “Playdates with Emergency Services” events. This innovative initiative was created in response to the impact of the Black Summer Fires on our local children. Their leadership and collaboration with all emergency services and local council have made these events a resounding success across the Eurobodalla Shire.
Next were the 18 recipients for the National Emergency Medal for the efforts in the 2019 bush fires. The recipients were:
Andrew Dunn, Antonio Roque, Ben O’Connell, Carissa Thomson, Darrum Obst, Issac Smith, James Berry, Jeffery McMahon, Karen Tritton, Kay Parker, Keith Perkin, Kevin Shepherd, Lloyd Jones, Martin Ransom, Michael Beby, Peter Collins, Tanya King & Thomas Samal.
Long Service Awards we also presented:
· 5 Years: – Lisa Shepherd, Caroline Booth
· 10 Years:- Arthur Hardy
· 20 Years:- Michael Day, Peter Collins, Karen Tritton
The evening was very enjoyable, concluding with a lovely meal provided by the Moruya Golf Club.
Special thanks are extended to our distinguished dignitaries for attending the even and presenting the awards to our dedicated members
Pete Collins
Eurobodalla SES Local Commander
