More than 80 members of the NSW SES, Lachlan Region, came together at the Region Headquarters in Parkes to recognise and congratulate the dedication and commitment of many members who have achieved important milestones in their service.
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The special Awards Ceremony recognised combined service of over 300 years.
Volunteers and their families from across Lachlan Region representing Bland, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes and Weddin council areas were present.
Also in attendance were the Member for Orange, Andrew Gee, also representing the Minister for Emergency Services; Cr Phyllis Miller, Mayor Forbes; Cr. Des Manwarring, Deputy Mayor of Lachlan; Cr. Judi Smith, Deputy Mayor of Cowra; Cr. Ken McGrath, Parkes; Assistant Commissioner Scott Hanckel of the NSW SES; and other representatives from councils and emergency services.
Six members were presented with the prestigious National Medal for 15 years service or a clasp representing each additional 10 years of service by Andrew Gee, Member for Orange.
The longest serving member of the Lachlan Region, Warwick Simpson of the Grenfell Unit, was awarded the 45 year clasp to the National Medal.
Nichole Richardson, Lachlan Region Controller, revealed that Warwick joined the NSW SES in 1969.
“Since joining, he has continued to learn and maintain skills across all capabilities of the SES,” she said.
“He is well respected and renowned for his expertise in farm related rescues and it is great honour to award Warwick with his 45 year clasp to the National Medal for his diligence and dedication to the safety of our local communities.”
Six members received the NSW SES Long Service Medal, awarded to volunteers and staff of the NSW SES who have achieved a period of diligent service of 10 years and are awarded a clasp for every additional 10 years they serve.
A further 11 volunteers received a NSW SES Long Service Certificate for five years service.
“These awards not only recognise their years of active service, but also their diligence and dedication to the safety of their local community,” MP Mr Gee said.
On behalf of the NSW Government, Lachlan Region Headquarters staff and volunteers from six units (Condobolin, Cowra, Forbes, Gooloogong, Parkes and Trundle) were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for their response to the storms and floods affecting the state on April 20, 2015.
The two week period resulted in 21,600 requests for assistance and 171 flood rescues, making it the biggest storm response in the NSW SES history.
Over 3,000 NSW SES volunteers supported by Region and SHQ staff worked tirelessly to provide relief to devastated communities.
The people of this region and indeed this state, know they can depend on the men and women in orange for help and protection during floods, storms and other emergencies.
