IPSWICH SES Unit was declared Regional SES Unit/Group of the Year at the 2024 SES South Eastern Region Awards held at Brassall on Saturday.
The event also marked the start of State Emergency Services Week.
SES Week is held from August 24 to August 31, it begins with a ceremony where staff and volunteers are awarded for hard work done.
The South Eastern Region is made up of Somerset, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan and the Scenic Rim.
Awards were presented by the Assistant Commissioner South Eastern Region Queensland Police Service Brian Shaw and Scott Revell Regional Director South Eastern Region State Emergency Service.
“These awards are where our five units come together and celebrate those who have gone above and beyond during the year,” said Danni Bull, Area Controller for SES South Eastern Region.
“We had about 250 people at the event from across the region and about 40 of those were from the Scenic Rim unit.”
The Boonah woman said in June after multiple reviews, SES transitioned from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to Queensland Police Service.
“Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire have become part of the Queensland Fire Department and QFES no longer exists as an organisation,” she said.
“This change has seen an uplift in staffing and funding for the SES.
“We already work closely with the QPS, so the change seemed appropriate.
“We are excited about the potential for our organisation moving forward.”
The Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan said the volunteers, full and part time members were integral to the broader government response in times of substantial need.
“SES Week is a chance for every Queenslander to take the time to thank the State Emergency Service for the outstanding work they do,” he said.
“All volunteers across the state work extremely hard and sacrifice their personal time to not only help in emergencies, but to attend training and readiness sessions.
“Thank you to all the outstanding volunteers for your support and dedication.”
Chief Officer of SES Mark Armstrong said the volunteers embodied the Queensland spirit when doing whatever it took to keep Queenslanders safe.
“SES Week marks an important event in the calendars of our staff and volunteers,” he said.
“It provides the opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication that the SES provides to the communities of Queensland.
“Our volunteers make a difference every day.
“SES volunteers are the heart and soul of our emergency and rescue service, always ready to respond to emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year.”
