“I’m grateful for the recognition but volunteering has given me much in return.”
That was the sentiment from Lake Macquarie Local Commander Chief Inspector Christine Speer after being awarded an Emergency Service Medal (ESM) in this year’s Australia Day Honours list for her dedication and service to the community.
She and Narrabri and Lower Namoi Local Commander Chief Inspector Tony Battam were acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to the NSW SES for more than four decades.
Chief Inspector Speer, who joined the organisation in 1981, has been involved in many notable deployments, including the 1994 and 2002 Lake Macquarie bushfires, the 2012 Goodooga floods, the March 2017 Lismore Flood event, the 2019/20 bushfires and the 2021 Northern Rivers floods.
She’s also known to work closely with other emergency service agencies and the local council during operational periods and is active in the promotion of community awareness of storms and flooding.
“I often hear people say: ‘I couldn’t do anything like that’,” Chief Inspector Speer said.
“But, I believe anyone can achieve almost anything if they are willing to put in the time and effort.
“Volunteering with the NSW SES has given me new skills, lasting friendships and the immense satisfaction of giving back.”
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM commended the pair for their selfless and ongoing service.
“Both Tony and Christine are thoroughly deserving of this recognition,” he said.
“These medals are a testament to the outstanding contributions they have made to the NSW SES and the steadfast dedication and support they have given their local communities over the past four decades.
“They have both assisted in life-critical incidences, supporting communities through severe storms and floods, to building preparedness and capability in their units.
“Tony and Christine truly embody our service’s mission of saving lives and protecting communities.”
For more news stories:
- Paralympian Lauren Parker heads esteemed Hunter Australia Day Honours list
- Neale Daniher named 2025 Australian of the Year
- New ‘safe haven’ for Hunter homeless at Stockton Centre
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