NSW SES volunteers, with more than 215 years of combined service, were recently recognised for their steadfast dedication to the Hunter… and beyond.

Thirty-one recipients, representing units such as Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Tomaree, Swansea and Cooranbong, featured heavily at the awards ceremony at the Wallsend Diggers Club.

Newcastle’s Graeme Silver was handed a National Medal 3rd Clasp for his 45 years of selfless commitment to the local community.

John Hyett, from Tomaree, also secured a National Medal 1st Clasp thanks to his quarter-of-a-century devotion to the organisation.

Another five members – Jamal Box (Newcastle Unit), Alan Crowe (Lake Macquarie Unit), Ian Robinson (Newcastle Unit/Staff), Christine Speer (Lake Macquarie Unit) and Thomas Wesche (Newcastle Unit) – collected the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service and a further 11 – Jamal Box (Newcastle Unit), Alan Bowden (Newcastle Unit), Brian Carr (Newcastle Unit), Baden Ellis (Swansea Unit), Shelby Lockett (Newcastle Unit), Karen Mate (Newcastle Unit), Ralph Perrin (Newcastle Unit), Katherine Post (Newcastle Unit), Christine Steel (Newcastle Unit), Thomas Wesche (Newcastle Unit) and Michael Willing (Newcastle Unit) – secured the Commissioner’s Unit Citation following the Northern Rivers flood event in February and March 2022.

All of them displayed professionalism and life-preserving support during a tough situation.

Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz admitted the beneficiaries represented the very best of the NSW SES.

“I am incredibly proud of the selfless actions and tireless efforts of our members,” she said.

“We’re recognising their bravery and determination, which has truly made a difference to their local communities.

“I was honoured to meet these members and hear stories about their time with the NSW SES.

“Volunteers are the fabric of our organisation… and we truly appreciate the time they sacrifice to serve their community.

“I commend them for their service.”

NSW SES Hunter award winners

National Medal

• Graeme Silver (Newcastle Unit)
• John Hyett (Tomaree Unit)
• Yvette Amos (Port Stephens Unit)
• Jennifer Conrad (Lake Macquarie Unit)
• Donald Roach (Lake Macquarie Unit)
• John Robertshaw (Lake Macquarie Unit)
• Paul Stuart (Newcastle Unit)

20-Year Long Service Award

• William Byrnes (Newcastle Unit)
• Matthew Darcy (Newcastle Unit)
• William Knight (Lake Macquarie Unit)

15-Year Long Service Award

• David Alderton (Lake Macquarie Unit)
• John Robertshaw (Lake Macquarie Unit)
• Paul Stuart (Newcastle Unit)
• Jennifer Conrad (Lake Macquarie Unit)

10-Year Long Service Award

• Ross Bowen (Port Stephens Unit)
• Brittany Palmer (Lake Macquarie Unit)
• Dominik Pfaff (Newcastle Unit)
• Donald Roach (Lake Macquarie Unit)

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