Recognising everything from courageous flood rescues to more than four decades of service, the awards ceremony brought together members from Forster Pacific Palms, Gloucester, Harrington, Nabiac, Stroud, Taree City and Wingham Units.
Among those recognised were Gloucester Shire Unit members Rob McNeice and Robert Seale, who received the NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage for rescuing a flood victim from rapid waters at Faulkland on 7 July 2022.
Gloucester Shire Unit Commander Rob McNeice said he was humbled to be recognised for doing what volunteers train to do.
“I was a bit surprised. I don’t think there is any rescue that is not in my mind at any point in time,” Mr McNeice said.
“While you don’t dwell on them, you are very much aware of them and there is a certain sense of satisfaction that you’ve been able to achieve what you’ve trained to do.”
However, Mr McNeice said the recognition belonged to the entire team involved in the rescue.
“We don’t do a rescue on our own – even though we were at the pointy end in the water, we had multiple people on the side of the river supporting us and if we didn’t have those people, it would have been difficult for us,” Mr McNeice said
Having served with the NSW SES for 18 years, Mr McNeice said helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives continues to motivate him.
“I love the satisfaction of being able to make a difference in people’s lives on their worst days,” he said.
“We deal with some miserable things at times but at the end of the day to be able to step back and say, ‘I’ve been able to make a difference’ means a lot.”
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM congratulated all award recipients and acknowledged the broader contribution of Mid Coast volunteers, who have responded to thousands of incidents in recent years including major flooding in the region in May 2025.
“These awards also recognise the incredible commitment of volunteers who have served their communities for decades. Their experience, dedication and willingness to respond whenever they are needed is the backbone of the NSW SES,” Commissioner Wassing said.
“Behind every rescue and response is a team of trained volunteers working together to support their community.
“I want to congratulate every award recipient and thank them – and their families – for their continued service.”
Full list of award recipients:
National Emergency Medal – 2019–2020 Bushfires
Carissa Bentley – Forster Pacific Palms Unit
Robert Hendricks – Harrington Unit
Derek Boughton – Wingham Unit
Mark Cooper – Wingham Unit
Anthony Northam – Wingham Unit
Graeme Ruff – Wingham Unit
Amber Wheeler – Wingham Unit
National Medal – Clasp (45 Years Service)
Gregory Snape – Stroud Unit
John Johnson – Gloucester Shire Unit
Mark Campbell – Gloucester Shire Unit
Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation
Lester Davis – Taree City Unit
Elena Dreyer – Taree City Unit
Suzanne Pietrowiec – Taree City Unit
Lauren Robinson-Baxter – Taree City Unit
NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
(For the rescue of a flood victim in rapid waters at Faulkland on 7 July 2022)
Rob McNeice – Gloucester Shire Unit
Robert Seale – Gloucester Shire Unit
NSW SES Commissioner’s Unit Citation
(For exemplary actions during the significant Mid North Coast flooding in May 2025)
Rob McNeice – Gloucester Shire Unit
Martin Taylor – Harrington Unit
Stephen Harris – Stroud Unit
Rebecca Ellison – Taree City Unit
Matthew Ruff – Wingham Unit
NSW SES 25 Year Long Service Award
Stuart Hay – Stroud Unit
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234