SOME of the region’s most dedicated emergency service workers have been honoured at an awards ceremony in Gunnedah on Saturday.
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The annual Namoi-Northwest SES awards highlighted the long-term service of dedicated SES members from across the region.
SES Namoi-Northwest region business manager Ben Pickup said it was pleasing to see the efforts of local SES members recongised.
“Both state and national awards were handed out at the annual awards ceremony,” Mr Pickup said.
“Several members from our local branches were honoured for the efforts.
“It really is pleasing to see them recongnised, truly it is reward for effort.”
Among the long-service award winners were Gunnedah’s Peter Thompson (35 years), Dennis Buck (20 years and Tambar Springs Leslie Ceissman (15 years) and Joanne Chatfield (10 years).
“We are very lucky to have so many dedicated and experienced members in our region,” Mr Pickup said.
“While we do tend to catch up as different teams regularly, it is still nice to come together and really give true recognition for the outstanding job these members do.
“It was also so nice to share the event with our Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson, Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey and Narrabri mayor Cathy Redding.
“To have the support of our local leaders is really important and it was so good to have them there.”
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As well as long service awards, Mr Pickup said certificates of appreciation were also handed out during the event.
“Along with the national and state based medals for long service were several certificates,” he said.
“These are more aimed at recognising work done by our different groups within the region.
“For example the Boggabri SES was awarded a certificate for pretty much rebuilding the organisation.
“Their numbers were dwindling about 12 months ago and their facilities lacked, but a lot of work has been put in by the members out there to help turn it around in a big way.”
Mr Pickup said the region’s SES crews would now look to preparing for storm season.
“We are determined to keep serving the community,” he said.
“So rest assured as we approach storm season we will be there to help.”
- The Namoi Northwest SES region includes: Armidale-Dumaresq, Barraba, Boggabri, Gunnedah, Guyra, Liverpool Plains, Manilla, Narrabri, Nundle, Pilliga, Tambar Springs, Tamworth Regional Council Tingha, Uralla and Wee Waa.