Australia Day honours for Queensland's best

Staff and volunteers from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) were yesterday announced as award recipents on the Australia Day 2012 Honours List.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the honours list provided national and formal recognition for those Australians who make a significant difference to their communities.

"I am proud to recognise the nine Department of Community Safety staff and volunteers who were included in this year's honours list and will receive the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), the Emergency Service Medal (EMS) or the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM)," Mr Roberts said.

"It is the commitment and professionalism of these people which has helped to establish national and international reputations in the field of emergency management."

Mr Roberts congratulated the five QFRS staff and volunteers who were announced as Queensland re cipients of the AFSM.

The AFSM recognises distinguished service by a member of an Australian Fire Service who is seen to have demonstrated a high degree of service and devotion to duty in a particular situation, or in special duties above and beyond normal work responsibilities.

"QFRS Assistant Commissioner for North Coast Region John Watson will receive the AFSM for outstanding service and exceptional contribution most notably as a leader following the Childers Backpacker Hostel fire in 2000, the Tilt Train disaster in 2003 and following Tropical Cyclone Larry in 2006," he said.

Mr Roberts also recognised Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers Ian Birbeck, Anthony Perna, Brian Clerk and Charles Smith (deceased) who were awarded the AFSM for their outstanding commitment and tireless dedication in their desire to assist and support the their local communities.

"Mr Birbeck was recognised for his work in establishing a joint rural and auxiliary fire station at Agnes Water and in enhancing the QFRS communications network throughout Central Region, increasing the operational capacity in the region and of other agencies and emergency services," he said.

"Mr Perna was honoured for his service to the Kuttabul Brigade in Central Queensland and his exceptional guidance for rural fire service reforms across sugar cane related brigades.

"Mr Clerk and Mr Smith were awarded for their outstanding volunteer commitment to the Bambaroo Rural Fire Brigade and the Wasp Creek Rural Fire Brigade respectively, providing the best possible service to the local community."

Brisbane State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers Peter Gould (Redlands SES) and Carrollyn Hennessy (Caboolture SES) were announced as Queensland recipients of the ESM.

The ESM was introduced in 1999 to give recognition to members of Australian emergency services for distinguished service relating to emergency management, training or educati on.

Mr Roberts congratulated the pair on their exceptional contribution to the SES and in turn, the wider community, over the years.

"While serving as a member and Deputy Local Controller of the Redland SES, Peter has significantly contributed to the training enhancement and operational readiness of the unit," he said.

"He is truly an asset to the unit by raising, maintaining and setting the standard in both individual and collective training, hence enhancing unit operational capability.

"Ms Hennessy is committed to the SES in all possible ways - she is a dedicated trainer, passionate volunteer and supportive EMQ officer.

"She has 19 years as an active SES member in the Caboolture SES Group, including 10 years as a group leader."

Mr Roberts also congratulated Michelle Baxter and Deidree Whap who were announced as Queensland recipients of the ASM.

The ASM recognises distinguished service by the men and women of Australia 's ambulance organisations.

"Ms Baxter and Ms Whap are fine examples of what it is to be a professional ambulance officer and are highly deserving of this honour," he said.

"Beginning her career in NSW, Ms Baxter joined QAS in February 2001 and became the Officer-in-Charge at the Blackwater Ambulance Station in June 2002 and the Area Director for Gladstone in April 2009.

"Over the years Ms Baxter has undertaken further education, working tirelessly to apply and share the knowledge she has gained through her studies with colleagues and instil ethical principles within her operational and geographic area."

Ms Whap joined the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) in 1989 as a Cadet Ambulance Officer at the Thursday Island Ambulance Station.

"Since joining QAS, Ms Whap has qualified as an Advanced Care Paramedic and helicopter flight paramedic, training in helicopter underwater escape and helicopter rescue winch operations," Mr Rob erts said.

"She is a valuable asset to the QAS, communicating with her own people in their traditional language. Ms Whap also trains first responders and community members in the use of the equipment.

"I would like to congratulate all Queensland recipients of these awards as well as all our emergency services workers who have made such a great contribution over the past 12 months."

Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
26/01/2012
Australia Day honours for Queensland's best

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Publish Date: 27 Jan 12

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