The medals are awarded to ordinary Australians who do extraordinary things throughout our communities. The medals honour the nation’s unsung heroes whose contribution is not widely known or recognised by the general public but whose achievements provide the inspiration to help make our nation a better place to live.
Now in its fifth year, the 'Pride of Australia' Medal is made up of ten categories - Outstanding Bravery, Emergency Services, Community Spirit, Child of Courage, Young Leader, Care and Compassion, Inspiration, Environment, Fair Go and the Serving Australia.
In 1968 Graham joined the Civil Defence Organisation, later to become NSW State Emergency Service, at Hurstville and then after the bush fires that year transferred to Liverpool where he held the position of Communications Officer and then Operations Officer.
In 1977 during flooding on the Georges River, Graham realised that there should be a voluntary unit located within Bankstown. He took this proposal to Bankstown Council and after a lot of hard work later that year was appointed as the Local Controller and the Bankstown SES Unit was born. From somewhat humble beginnings, the members have since been able to provide a valuable service to the Bankstown community.
Graham has been involved in countless storm operations; and in flooding in 1986 and again in 1988 on the Georges River that resulted in many houses in Picnic Point, East Hills, Milperra, Moorebank, Georges Hall and Canley Vale areas being severely inundated.
In 1989 Graham led a task force to the earthquake in Newcastle where he was assigned several areas in which to manage the response to the damaged properties.
In mid 1990 Graham was appointed to the position of District Emergency Management Officer (DEMO) for the Sydney South West District.
For many years Graham has been actively involved in maintaining all of the Bankstown Units sections and resources in an operationally ready state as well as overseeing administration, community education, media, and the unit’s finances.
Graham has been awarded the National Medal with two Bars, SES Long Service Medal as well as a Directors General's Commendation for Service.
Graham is a respected member of the State Emergency Service and a well-deserved recipient of his ‘Pride of Australia’ medal.
