Local Hero Honoured as Rotary Emergency Services Awards Finalist

Twenty-four emergency services workers with more than 466 years of combined service make up the finalists for the 2019 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.

These finalists come from many walks of life, representing each of Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW State Emergency Services, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association and Marine Rescue NSW.

Garth Thompson of the Albion Park NSW Ambulance Station has been announced as one of the finalists.

Member for Kiama said it was people like Garth Thompson of Albion Park who exemplified the community spirit of the State’s emergency services workers.

“These awards are an opportunity for the Kiama community to reflect on the tireless efforts of our local emergency services.”

Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said the awards shine a light on the enormous contribution of emergency services workers.

“Emergency services workers and volunteers give so much of themselves to the community and ask so little in return. We are indebted to all our unsung heroes and will never take for granted their commitment to protecting the community,” Mr Elliott said.

“These awards honour everyday Australians who have given decades of service such as Kiama.

“This year’s finalists have almost five centuries’ combined service and I thank them all for their exemplary efforts.”

In addition, the emergency services Commissioners will each nominate an outstanding individual for the $1000 Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship to be decided by a Rotary NSW panel.

Winners will be announced at an Awards Presentation Dinner at the Bankstown Sports Club. Family, friends, supporters and the general public are invited to attend the presentation dinner. Tickets can purchased at: www.RotaryESCawards.org.au.