Editor’s note: Access photos of award recipients here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/AkdFgE1Yfl
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has honoured exceptional bravery and commitment of North Eastern volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe in times of crisis.
NSW SES Ballina Volunteer Ezekiel Knight was recognised for his brave actions on 29th March 2022, awarded NSW SES Commissioner’s commendation for courage for his efforts rescuing two casualties in an intense flood rescue.
Mr Knight said it was a night he will never forget.
"I was lying in bed listening to the heavy rain and said to my partner something is wrong if I don’t get called out,” he said.
Just moments later, he received a text summoning him to a job.
Rushing to the Ballina SES headquarters, Mr Knight donned his PPE as the flood rescue team prepared to respond.
Upon arriving at the scene, they found a vehicle about 50 metres from the shoreline, surrounded by heavily flooded roads. Other emergency services were present but unable to access the car.
“We decided to wade through the water,” Mr Knight said.
Recalling how they quickly spotted two casualties. He said the conditions were treacherous, with fast-moving water and flying debris.
“I focused on calming down the young girl who was terrified,” he said.
“Once I got her out onto the roof of the vehicle, another team member managed to force the driver’s door open and rescue her mother.”
Reflecting on the extensive work undertaken during the Northern Rivers floods, he thanked his team.
“Our Ballina flood rescue team tackled a range of emergencies, from assisting a woman in labour to responding to a cardiac arrest and a broken pelvis. We adapted quickly from a team accustomed to sunny boat rides to a dedicated rescue unit, and I am incredibly proud of them.”
NSW SES Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to three Lismore City Unit Volunteers, Jessica Egan, Warwick Jansen and Serge Killingbeck for a flood rescue at Larnook on 1 January 2024.
Mr Killingbeck said he was just doing his job on the day of the rescue.
“We were called to a job out at Rock Valley, some fellow got tangled up and was caught in floodwaters – he ended up in a tree,” he said.
“We took the Inflatable Rescue Boat out and put it in the water and went up to the tree and got him off and to safety.”
Also recognised at the ceremony was NSW SES Lismore City Volunteer, Edward Bennett, who received a long service award after 55 years with the NSW SES.
Mr Bennett shared how he was inspired to join while teaching at a local high school in 1975, where many of his colleagues were SES members.
He recalled the devastating mega flood of 2022, which exceeded previous records by 2 meters.
“During that time, community members took to their own boats and jet skis to rescue people, as we simply didn’t have enough resources,” Mr Bennett said.
“The scale of the challenge was huge, and our teams worked tirelessly to assist their communities. I’m truly proud of their commitment to helping others.”
When asked what motivates him to continue serving his community after all these years, Edward Bennett said the satisfaction that comes from helping others is unmatched.
During the ceremony, a total of 55 recipients were honoured with 82 awards, medals and clasps, collectively representing 235 years of dedicated service.
NSW SES North Eastern Zone Commander Gregory Swindells said it was a special day recognising members contributions.
“The courage and dedication displayed by our members remind us of the strength found in community and service," he said.