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EDITOR’S NOTE: Images and vision from the awards ceremony, an interview with NSW SES Orange member Grace Langlands and operational vision from Eugowra floods is available via hightail: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/jSIhWntPRi

The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has honoured the extraordinary bravery and dedication of its members and supporting agencies at an awards ceremony in the state’s Central West.

The NSW SES Canobolas Cluster Awards Ceremony, held in Orange on Saturday 3 August 2024, recognised heroic efforts during the catastrophic floods that struck Eugowra and surrounding areas in November 2022.

In the early hours of Monday, November 14, 2022, the towns of Eugowra, Molong, Cudal and Canowindra were heavily affected by widespread rain over a short period. The catchment areas flowing into the Molong Creek, Belubula River and Mandagery Creek overflowed, causing flash flooding to the towns and surrounding areas. In response, the NSW SES launched a large interagency rescue operation.

In Eugowra, NSW SES and inter-agency personnel responded quickly, with 12 helicopters in action over a six-hour period and hundreds of flood rescues taking place. More than 700 residents were evacuated, and 200 homes were severely impacted, with hundreds of flood rescues taking place. This event occurred during one of the largest ongoing flood operations in the history of the NSW SES.

During the awards ceremony, a total of 46 recipients were presented with 61 awards, recognising their courageous actions, life-preserving operational support, exceptional aviation assistance, and unwavering commitment to the Central West community.

Among the honoured recipients were volunteers from the NSW SES Eugowra, Orange City, Molong, Dubbo City, Canowindra, and Western Capability Units, along with staff from NSW SES Western Zone, members of the NSW RFS, members of the NSW Police Force and representatives from Careflight, Lifeflight, Coulson, Westpac and Kestrel Aviation.

NSW SES Acting Commissioner, Debbie Platz APM, said the courage and commitment shown during this time will not be forgotten.

"I am incredibly proud of the selfless actions and tireless efforts of our volunteers and supporting agencies. Their bravery and determination has truly made a difference, and this ceremony was all about celebrating that extraordinary dedication," Acting Commissioner Platz said.

“As flood waters inundated the town during this intense weather event, neighbours protected neighbours, and emergency services worked side by side with community members to support those affected by the flooding.

“We had volunteers descending from all over the state during this time, putting their lives on hold to protect and serve our community.”

“As we reflect on the events that unfolded in 2022, we extend our thanks to the army of volunteers, first responders and community members, who never gave up,” Acting Commissioner Platz said.

Additional awards will be provided at a later date to individuals who deployed from other parts of the state and other supporting agencies, including NSW Police Force, who provided vital assistance during the floods. In total, 115 recipients have been recognised with 149 awards.