2018 Rotary Emergency Service Community Awards finalists announced

Mr Grant said the expanded awards, which include the ACT for the first time, are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light upon the enormous contribution of emergency services workers such as nominee Alan Johnson from Batlow who has been a volunteer for over 52 years.

“These awards celebrate the outstanding commitment, sacrifice and spirit of service. As a community it is important that we take the time to acknowledge and thank volunteers and personnel who give so much of themselves and ask so little in return,” Mr Grant said.

“As a state we are hugely indebted to all our emergency services men and women. We should never take for granted their commitment to protecting us and it is important that we acknowledge the unsung heroes who repeatedly go above and beyond.

“This year’s finalists have more than 600 years of combined service and I thank them all for their exemplary community service.”

Finalists come from the following emergency services agencies:

Mr Grant announced the creation of a $1,000 Dorothy Hennessy Emergency Services Youth scholarship for a volunteer aged up to 21 for training and educational materials or equipment.

“This scholarship celebrates our young volunteers and honours the outstanding contribution of an individual in providing support to their community,” Mr Grant said.

Commissioners from the NSW SES, NSW RFS, Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association will each nominate an outstanding individual for consideration of the scholarship. A Rotary NSW panel will determine the most deserving candidate.

Winners for each service, plus two special winners for NSW and for ACT, and the young volunteer will be announced at an Awards Presentation Dinner, at the Bankstown Sports Club.

Family, friends, supporters and the general public are invited to attend the presentation dinner. Tickets can purchased at: www.RotaryESCawards.org.au.

The 2018 Rotary NSW and ACT Emergency Services Community Awards finalists: