Three Port Stephens SES volunteers have been awarded the Commissioners Unit Citation Certificate for “outstanding actions” during the April 2015 super storm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bruce Gendre, Phil Hudson and Peter Sherwen from the Raymond Terrace-based unit were three of seven volunteers that received the award at the annual NSW SES Hunter Region presentation on Saturday, September 23.
The presentation, which acknowledges and congratulates the dedication and commitment of SES members, was held in Maitland.
The ceremony was attended by Maitland City Council mayor Loretta Baker and the NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Scott Hankel.
As well as Port Stephens, members of the Maitland, Tomaree (Nelson Bay), Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Singleton and Hunter Region units were recognised for their actions during the storm.
The 2015 storm was one of the largest in the history of the NSW SES Hunter Region.
During the event, the SES conducted 127 flood rescues and responded to more than 8000 requests for assistance.
Ian Robinson from Maitland received the Commissioners Commendation for Service.
The commendation recognised his leadership and guidance to Maitland unit members during the storm and the following weeks.
David Percival and Jamie Edmonds, also from Maitland, were awarded the Commissioners Unit Citation Certificate for their outstanding actions during the storm.
Seven Commissioners Unit Citation awards were presented to 93 members from the units in attendance on Saturday.
The Commissioners Unit Citation was also awarded to Hunter Region for the June 2016 storm.
Three of the unit’s members received the Commissioners Certificate of Appreciation for their role in the Get Ready Project.
The project saw the SES work in collaboration with the deaf community to connect residents living with hearing impairment with emergency services to enhance the way they work together in times of floods, storms and fire.
The Port Stephens Unit was also awarded the NSW Government Certificate of Appreciation.
At the ceremony 10 members received the NSW SES long service medal, clasps and certificate awards for service ranging from 10 to 20 years.
Seven members were awarded national medals and clasps awards for service ranging from 15 to 45 years.