Members of the Sutton SES unit were recognised with regional awards on Monday, December 11. in Queanbeyan.
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The awards recognised their diligent service to their community.
On Monday, December 11, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly, NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Mark Morrow and NSW SES Deputy Region Controller Joanne Humphries officially presented six awards to local volunteers including two National Medal Clasps, one NSW SES Ten Year Long Service Award, and three Commissioner’s Unit Citations.
Awards and Medals presented at the event:
- NSW SES 10 Year Long Service Medal: Joseph Barbara
- National Medal 2nd Clasp (25 Years): Anthorr Nomchong and John Ellis
- NSW SES Commissioner’s Unit Citation: Anthorr Nomchong, Jennifer Ellison and Neil Ellison
Mr Nomchong, unit controller, said the 2017 was a strong year for the unit, particularly its flood-rescue efforts.
“Because of the areas around Sutton – which includes low-level crossings – we do flood-related activities regularly,” he said.
“As well as supporting other units in the area, we do a lot of out-of-area support. We’ve been involved in most major operations in NSW,” he said.
In 2018, Mr Nomchong said one of the unit’s major goals is to increase visibility of their work.
“We’d like more volunteers from Gundaroo and Sutton.
“We’ve now got a flexible volunteering model where people can come along and see where they fit depending on their specialties and abilities,” he said.
In presenting the awards, Mr Kelly thanked the volunteers for their outstanding work on behalf of the community, and commended their dedication to their community for such a long period.
“While all volunteers in the NSW SES show an extraordinary level of commitment to their communities, award presentations such as this provide special recognition to those volunteers whose accumulated knowledge and experience is irreplaceable.” Mr Kelly said.
The Sutton Unit also held a local awards evening on Tuesday, December 12, which was opened to the public.
These awards were to recognise Sutton members for their contribution to their Unit and community.
Anthorr Nomchong presented the local awards:
- Sutton ‘Member of the Year’: John Ellis
- Sutton ‘Most Improved Member’: Awarded to Lily Bokulic
- Sutton ‘Contribution to Safety’: Awarded to Joseph Barbara
- Sutton ‘Best Attendance’: Awarded to Rhian Blackwell
“One of the strengths of the NSW SES is the great team spirit and friendships that develop within the volunteer unit, and it is this strength which sees volunteers staying with the service for many years,” Mr. Nomchong said.
The volunteers of the NSW SES Sutton Unit have done a wonderful job during the past year responding to more 15 calls for help resulting from storms, floods and other emergencies within the Sutton, Bywong and Gundaroo areas.
They have also provided out-of-area assistance to surrounding units within the Southern Highlands Region and other regions.
“The NSW SES Sutton Unit is continually accepting new members, and we would encourage members from Sutton and surrounding areas to get in touch to see what volunteering with us can do for them.
With flexible options for volunteering, there is a job for everyone,” Mr Nomchong said.
