The Rotary Emergency Services Community Award (RESCA) finalists were announced in a special ceremony at Parliament House yesterday (Wednesday 25 June), with the recipients of the awards to be named in August.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey, who attended the ceremony, congratulated the members and said they are each truly deserving of the prestigious recognition.
“These awards highlight the unsung heroes in our communities, who make a significant difference but are often quiet achievers,” Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
“I know that all of our finalists go above and beyond the call of duty, reflecting the Rotary motto of ‘service above self’ and they should be immensely proud of their achievements.”
The awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the community service of personnel agencies including NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and VRA Rescue NSW.
The NSW SES 2025 Rotary Emergency Services Community Award finalists are:
Dedicated member of NSW SES over 12 years, Matthew Elliott currently serves as Deputy Unit Commander for Training and Capability at the Blacktown Unit. Matt has gone above and beyond, even continuing to lead training sessions on crutches after a leg injury in 2022. During his recovery, he personally designed and funded a floating car training tool now used state-wide. In 2023, he represented NSW SES internationally and delivered a webinar for over 400 volunteers on his return. His efforts include development of inter-agency flood rescue safety programs for NSW Police and RFS, deployment leadership during Cyclone Alfred and volunteer hours far exceeding expectations. Matt's innovative thinking has influenced new rescue boat designs and enhanced state-wide training standards.
A Life Member of the Waverley/Woollahra Unit, Colin McQueen has dedicated more than 55 years of exceptional volunteer service to the NSW SES. He has served in more than 15 roles including Team Leader, Senior Deputy Local Controller, and for the past 26 years, as the Unit’s lead Trainer and Mentor and has been instrumental in developing training programs and supporting new trainers across the region. Colin’s commitment has extended far beyond weekly training nights, he has led SES contingents at major public events such as the Sydney Bicentenary, ANZAC Bridge opening and City to Surf.
With 57 years of service, Graham Tomkinson is a foundational figure within the NSW State Emergency Service. Graham established the Bankstown SES Unit in 1977, leading it as Local Controller and later as Deputy Unit Commander. Graham’s career includes pivotal roles in major disasters such as the Auburn Bankstown Hailstorm, Eastern Suburbs Hailstorm, Grafton Floods and 1994 and 2001 Bushfires, Newcastle Earthquake and Cyclone Yasi. His advocacy helped procure vital assets including vehicles, vessels and communication systems that strengthened local response capabilities. Graham’s exemplary service has been recognised with numerous awards including SES Life Membership.
Garry Whitaker has contributed more than 53 years of outstanding volunteer service to the NSW SES. As Deputy Local Commander of the Hastings Cluster, he supports four Units and provides leadership, coaching, and operational management. He also plays a key role in mentoring emerging leaders across the region. Garry's service includes deployments across NSW, Queensland, and internationally, most notably the 2023 Canadian wildfires. He has delivered ceremonial services, state-wide learning projects, and major disaster responses including Cyclone Yasi and the Newcastle Earthquake.