The Hon. Mark Ryan, Minister for Emergency Services (Qld), Media Release, 11 September 2023
From responding to flood emergencies to trekking through bushland on search and rescue operations, SES volunteers do whatever it takes to keep Queenslanders safe.
As SES Week celebrations kick off across the state, Queensland’s volunteers in orange are being honoured for their outstanding efforts in helping their communities prepare and respond to emergencies.
The state-wide celebration highlights the thousands of SES volunteers who dedicate thousands of hours each year to help keep Queensland safe.
Volunteers will be recognised at regional awards ceremonies, culminating in a State Awards Ceremony where winners from each region will be celebrated and overall state winners will be celebrated for their incredible work.
Queenslanders are being encouraged to show their support for SES volunteers and prepare their homes for severe weather season.
Quotes attributable to Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan:
“Queensland’s SES volunteers play a vital role in keeping their communities safe and prepared for when disaster strikes,” he said.
“They have spent more than 92,000 hours responding to a range of incidents in the last year, on top of more than 330,000 hours of training and preparation.
“These are remarkable efforts and demonstrate the true dedication of our frontline volunteers.
“The SES would not exist without the generosity of thousands of members. It’s my pleasure to celebrate these outstanding men and women and pay tribute to everything they do to keep us safe.”
Quotes attributable to QFES Commissioner Greg Leach:
“The hard work of our SES volunteers can’t be overstated,” he said.
“I want to thank each of the thousands of volunteers spread across more than 300 groups who dedicate their time and skills to help keep Queensland safe and resilient.
“SES volunteers can be called upon during floods, storms, land searches, road crashes and vertical rescues and often their response can mean the difference between life and death.
“Volunteers don’t seek praise or a pat on the back, but the impact of their efforts deserves to be recognised. I would like to thank every SES volunteer for their incredible spirit and goodwill.”
Quotes attributable to Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston:
Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said Suncorp was proud of its continued partnership with the Queensland SES.
“The Queensland SES is always there for the community, particularly during the tough times whether it be storms, search and rescues or natural disasters,” he said.
“Through our partnership, Suncorp is proud to be there for the Queensland SES through community engagement and support for much-needed equipment which means the volunteers can continue to help Queenslanders when they need it the most.
“We are also pleased to host this year’s State Awards Ceremony at our Brisbane Heritage Lanes headquarters.
“On behalf of Suncorp, I want to thank all the Queensland SES volunteers for their tireless efforts throughout the year and look forward to having their enormous contribution to the community recognised at this year’s awards ceremony.”
To join the SES, please visit https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering for more information.
The State SES awards ceremony will be held at 2pm on Saturday 16 September, Suncorp Heritage Lanes 80 Ann Street, Brisbane.