Moreton Bay Volunteers Honoured with SES Week Awards

Published 14 October 2021

State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and groups across the Moreton Bay Region have been recognised for their selfless dedication and commitment at the Brisbane Region SES Week Awards last week.

Mayor Peter Flannery said SES Week (9 - 17 October) is a celebration of the hard work and outstanding efforts of the SES staff and volunteers across Queensland.

“And these awards acknowledge the achievements of SES members who have gone above and beyond to help keep the community safe,” he said.

“The SES is built on the goodwill of thousands of volunteers, and it’s about people helping people, mates helping mates.

“SES members all play an important role in our community, working together as first responders, saving lives and building safer communities.

“I want to congratulate and thank them for their time and commitment. 

“A special thanks must go out to Henk Van Den Ende from Caboolture SES Group, who received a national medal for his astonishing 45 years of SES service.

“Henk has steered Moreton Bay Region through dozens of disasters, helped repair hundreds of homes, facilitated thousands of volunteers, and helped people right across Queensland with his numerous deployments.

“His unwavering dedication has been truly inspiring and exceptional.”

“I’d also like to encourage locals to get prepared and have an emergency plan in place ahead of the storm season.

“By getting ready before the disaster hits, you’ll help take the strain of our volunteers so they can focus on those who need help the most.”

Awards were presented to three local units/members, including:
Highly Commended Unit/Group of the year – Arana Hills SES Group
Operational Response of the Year – Bribie Island SES Group
Trainer of the Year – Alan Peterson – Arana Hills SES Group

Certificates were awarded to four local members who have given a special contribution to the service, including:
Julie Crocker – Caboolture SES Group
Courtney Black – Caboolture SES Group
Hans Lyrstedt – Arana Hills SES Group
Lyn Fordyce – Deception Bay SES Group

National Medals were awarded to four local members who put themselves at risk in the service of the community, including:
Henk Van Den Ende – Caboolture SES Group – National Medal 3rd Clasp
Colin Everingham – Woodford SES Group – National Medal
Sean Grainger – Deception Bay SES Group – National Medal
Alan Peterson – Arana Hills SES Group – SES Meritorious Service Medal 1st Clasp

Moreton Bay Region is home to seven SES groups that provide support to the community in times of emergency and disaster.

SES members are highly skilled, unpaid volunteers who undertake regular ongoing training to help vulnerable members of the community during or after emergencies.

For more information or to become involved in the SES, visit https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Disaster-Management/SES