Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has tonight recognised a special group of fourteen SES volunteers in the Southern Illawarra region for their community service at the Southern Illawarra Cluster SES Awards Presentation Ceremony at the Kiama Pavilion.
Mr Ward said that these award recipients have been recognised for their commitment to the NSW SES and their dedication to their local communities in the Illawarra and South Coast regions.
“Together, they represent a combined total of more than 250 years of service to the Kiama and Shellharbour City SES units,” he said.
“Their accumulated wisdom and experience is irreplaceable and their service to their communities can best be described as outstanding.
“I am constantly amazed and impressed at the sheer professionalism and dedication of our local SES personnel and volunteers – they really are the ‘unsung heroes’ in our local communities and we all owe them a great deal of gratitude and thanks for the difficult work they do,” Mr Ward said.
SES Deputy Logistics Officer with the Kiama Unit Robert Sainsbury was a standout award recipient, receiving a Life Member Award for his contribution to the NSW SES.
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Kyle Stewart also praised the group.
“The presentation of these awards is a fitting acknowledgment of our volunteers’ dedication and professionalism,” Acting Commissioner Stewart said.
“This group embodies the team spirit and desire to serve the community that makes the SES such a great organisation.
“The SES enjoys the respect and support of the wider community thanks to volunteers like these,” Acting Commissioner Stewart concluded.