Medals honour exceptional service

SILVER and bronze medallions are in the hands of Bannockburn State Emergency Services Unit members who’ve been recognised for their years of commitment and service.

National emergency and long service medals were handed out to five members at a ceremony last month.

Bob Beardsmore has been with the Bannockburn unit for 16 years and received his long service medal in acknowledgement of his first 15.

“It was a really good ceremony and I thought it was really important to hold it here at our headquarters for our fellow members to see,” he said.

“I received that medal with pride. I’ve put a lot of work into those 15 years and I’m grateful that I’ve got the medal to show for it.”

The national emergency medals were given to Michael Boerner, Blake Shawcross, and Nathan Hansford for their efforts during the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

Stephen Hicks, who’s been with the unit for more than 35 years, was given the second clasp for his long service medal, which is awarded every 10 years after its initial receiving.

Bannockburn SES has gained about seven volunteers in the last 12 months, and volunteer Hugh Mitchell said the ceremony was a great way to inspire them.

“We’ve got a fair few young ones coming in. They seemed very happy for our volunteers as we all were,” he said.

“And being new members, they could sort of see what might be in store for them down the line, not that people are in it for the awards.

“It showed them that people who volunteer for the community do get that recognition.”

The national medal is given to emergency service volunteers who contribute to nationally-declared disasters, while the long service medal is awarded to people who serve for 15 years.