Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Nine dedicated members of the Burdekin unit of the State Emergency Service Queensland were recognised on Monday night, as Area Controller John Forde presented Emergency Response Medals at a ceremony held at the Ayr SES depot.
The newly introduced SES medal is awarded in recognition of emergency service deployment of five or more days during declared events since the transition to Queensland Police Service on June 3, 2024. The medal acknowledges the commitment and endurance demonstrated by SES members during extended operations.
The medals were presented to members who deployed to Brisbane and Ipswich during Tropical Cyclone Alfred in February 2025, where they assisted communities impacted by severe weather and flooding.
Recipients included Local Controller Warren Francis, Deputy Local Controller John Winn, Ayr Group Leader Paul Haller, Ayr Deputy Group Leader John George Jr, Giru Group Leader Matt Tapp, Rita Island Group Leader Ben Barbagallo, Rita Island Deputy Group Leader Deb Calligaro (not pictured), Iane Schwerin and Cheryl Wade. Life Member Donn Thomson, along with Don Baillie, received their five-year citations.
Francis said the awards provided well-deserved recognition for the recipients’ efforts throughout disaster season.
“There's not a lot we can do to reward volunteers—we don’t get paid, we do terrible work, and we do it quite happily,” he said.
“When our members wear these medals, the community will know they’ve done the hard yards.”
Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort attended the evening, along with representative of Dale Last, Member for Burdekin, David Cooper, in support of the local volunteers.
Mr Last said the Burdekin SES had continued to provide an invaluable service across the wet season.
“While the majority of us are hunkered down in our homes during times of severe weather, these men and women in our local orange army are out in force,” Mr Last said.
“Whether it's in flood boat operations, tarping roofs, providing sandbags or assisting in the clean-up efforts following an event, our SES volunteers deserve our utmost gratitude for the work they do to keep our community safe.”
The ceremony highlighted the vital role SES volunteers play in supporting communities during times of crisis, with each recipient commended for their service, dedication and willingness to step forward when called upon.
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