New NSW award for emergency first responders

THE New South Wales government has established the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation to recognise the extraordinary response efforts during the major flood events in the state between 2021 and 2023.

The citation honours people who participated in the operational response, including those who assisted with evacuations or helped people or animals trapped by floodwater.

The award will be given to organisations such as NSW State Emergency Service (SES) members, other emergency agencies, defence force personnel, and community-based organisations.

The citation also includes individuals who were part of local ‘Tinny Army’ groups and played a role in informal flood emergency responses.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said she was pleased the premier had decided to honour first responders and volunteers formally.

“I saw people in my community go above and beyond to get their neighbours to safety, and we saw ordinary people do the most extraordinary things to save lives in flood-affected communities,” Saffin said.

“I want to urge everyone who played their part in that community effort to self-nominate to make sure they receive their due recognition for the things they did in that difficult time. There is no cut-off date for this process.

“I know I express the wishes of the entire community and say that we thank each and every one of our hero rescuers from the bottom of our hearts.”

The NSW SES will administer the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation. Recipients will receive a letter and certificate co-signed by the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Emergency Services and the NSW SES Commissioner, along with a citation pin.

NSW SES Commissioner Michael Wassing said it was the longest flooding campaign in the state’s history.

“Our volunteers and the community members who helped their neighbours alongside NSW SES members, who gave more than two million hours during these floods, deserve this recognition,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said emergency service personnel and volunteers showed immense courage and dedication.

“This recognition is not just about honouring their hard work; it’s about ensuring they know that their contributions have made a real difference in the lives of so many people across NSW,” Minns said.

Informal volunteers whose efforts were not part of an organisation can self-nominate at nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/premiers-department/citation