MORE than 145 years spent clearing North East hazards has been recognised by the State Emergency Service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Corryong SES presented seven members with service awards, including Life Member Medals to Bruce Meek and Ron Bryceson.
Deputy controller Greg Nankervis said the two men had contributed nearly 40 years each to the unit, also serving as controllers.
“They’ve both had a lot to do with how the unit currently is and how it was in the past,” he said.
The pair had not known about their life membership honours before the presentation dinner at Riley’s Restaurant, Corryong.
“It was a surprise and they were very humbled,” Mr Nankervis said.
As well as the Life Member Medals, Mr Meek received a 35 years Long Service Medal and National Medal 2nd Clasp, with Mr Bryceson also gaining the latter.
Other Long Service Medals went to Peter Clarke (15 years), Bernard McNamara (10 years), Sharyn Nankervis (five years), Kerrie Clarke (10 years) and John Williams (25 years).
Corryong SES unit controller Pam Noonan thanked the community for its ongoing support, especially the volunteers’ families and employers.
Victorian SES chief executive Stephen Griffin, assistant chief officer Keith O’Brien and North East region operations manager Neil Payn also attended the dinner.
Mr O’Brien said each award recipient had dedicated many hours to their voluntary work.
“Our SES volunteers are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to assist people in times of need and their commitment to providing emergency services is appreciated by all those they help,” he said. “I too would like to congratulate the 2017 recipients and thank their families and employers for allowing them to make such a great contribution to their communities.”
Mr Nankervis said the Corryong SES unit comprised 15 members, of which about nine remained active to cover its wide geographic area.
“Our main jobs are trees down, traffic hazards and road crash rescue/car accident,” he said.
“It’s 24/7, most of us are also CFA volunteers.”
The unit would welcome new volunteers, with more information available at ses.vic.gov.au.