Charlie Woollett was born on September 12th, 1932 and is a self-described member of the "Geebung Polo Club" (Banjo Patterson) - a rough and ready bush kind of fella.
Those who know this larrikin also know that Charlie is a gentle, caring, eminently respected and highly skilled man who has been a volunteer with the SES since 1984. Charlie became Controller of the Yallaroi Shire in 1988 and has held the reins with compassion, understanding and strength since that time.
The respect and admiration felt for Charlie was demonstrated on June 12th 2000 when he was awarded and invested with the first Emergency Service Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours. This award was earned for service considered above and beyond the 'call of duty'. Charlie is forever assisting people in distress or need where-ever he finds them, training other Units throughout the North West Region and he is always the first person to put his hand up when Out of Area Assistance (OOAA) is needed.
Charlie has assisted with the response to the Sydney Hail Storm, Inverell Flood, Port Stephens (on two occasions), Casino Storm, Grafton Flood and the Christmas Fires, to name a few events.
Charlie was one of only 5,000 people to be selected in Australia (living and deceased) to take part in the PeopleScape celebration, which included his image displayed on the lawns of Parliament House. Charlie was also voted Citizen of the Year for the Yallaroi Shire in 2001.
Charlie has a volunteer history of 35 years working for many organisations the area.
On a final note, Charlie has been awareded Life membership of the SES. The Deputy Director General, Greg Slater, presented the Life Membership of the SES to Charlie, who is retiring, in recognition of over 22 years of service to the North West Region. “This award acknowledges Charlie’s outstanding meritorious service and dedication to the organisation and is well deserved,” said Mr Slater after making the presentation.
Congratulations Charlie.
