House debates

Thursday, 19 October 2017

Statements by Members

La Trobe Electorate: Emerald State Emergency Service

1:37 pm

Photo of Jason WoodJason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Recently I had the great privilege of attending the Emerald State Emergency Service awards day. The Emerald SES is an integral part of our community, and without the endless generosity of these men and women we would be without this vital emergency service. Their extensive volunteer work for the community during disasters—natural and otherwise—is what keeps our community going strong. For this I was so proud to show my gratitude on behalf of the Australian government.

I would like to make a special mention of those who received awards on the day. Firstly, Captain Ben Owens, the recipient of the members' choice award. He is doing a fantastic job. Chris Franzman won the Haydn Davies Award; Peter Copp was presented with the John Reed Award and the Community Fundraiser Award; Daryl Bristowe was given the Controllers Award; Derek Harris was given the Night Owl Award; Phil Pascall was awarded with the Training Member of the Year Award and the Community Education Award; and Phil Butterley was also awarded with a Training Member of the Year Award. Incredibly, the Emerald SES attended 1,500 jobs last year, which is pretty much four jobs a day. They are not a big SES, with 70 members, but they are lifting their weight.

And, finally, it looks like we will have some good news: we are going to have a new Emerald SES building. I congratulate the emergency service workers in Emerald for the fantastic work they do. They deserve their new building.