Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
John Winn has been recognised for 26 years of volunteer executive leadership with the Burdekin State Emergency Service as he steps back from his role as Deputy Local Controller. Photo supplied.
John Winn has been honoured for over two decades of voluntary executive leadership with the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) following his decision to step down as Deputy Local Controller.
John was presented with a special Certificate of Appreciation recognising his 26-year tenure in executive roles, which included nine years as Ayr Group Leader alongside terms as Acting Local Controller, Local Controller, and Deputy Local Controller.
Current Local Controller Cheryl Wade said the award was a rare gesture, presented to acknowledge his “above and beyond support as a volunteer”.
“John would jump at a call to serve and protect his community,” she said.
John has spent 38 years with the SES, joining in 1988 after Cyclone Charlie swept through his home community of Alva Beach.
Since then, he has responded to cyclones, floods, and search operations across Queensland, with deployments reaching as far north as Innisfail and as far south as Grantham.
As of November last year, John had logged 11,232 hours of volunteer community service—though he said the actual figure was considerably higher once after-hours calls, maintenance, and administrative work were taken into account.
That commitment is a family legacy. His wife Rosemarie has given 31 years to the SES, while their children Nathan, Brendan, and Megan have all served. Together with extended family, the Winn family’s total contribution to the Burdekin SES stands at 148 years of volunteer service.
John said the motivation behind those decades of service comes down to the reaction on the ground.
“Perhaps the best part of the SES is the ‘thanks’ you see on people’s faces when you and other SES members show up to assist them in what is their darkest hours,” he said.
While stepping down from his executive responsibilities, John will remain with the Burdekin SES Ayr Group as a Senior Field Officer. He encouraged community members to consider getting involved.
“There is always a role for anyone who wants to join,” he said.
“Everyone has something to give.”
Anyone interested in joining can attend a Burdekin SES Monday night meeting at 7pm at 4 McCathie Street, Ayr Industrial Estate.
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