The region’s SES volunteers have been recognised for their incredible work to prepare for and protect from last year’s major floods.
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Forbes local controller Roc Walshaw received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service for his leadership and commitment to NSW SES and the Forbes unit, along with recognition for outstanding efforts and leadership during the 2016 flooding.
The honours were announced at the Lachlan Region SES’s presentation on Saturday, with NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Greg Newton attending to commend volunteers.
Heavy rainfall from May last year saw the Lachlan River reach major flood levels through the Forbes district.
Lake Cowal also filled and spilled, the Newell Highway was just one of many roads to go underwater, isolating rural residents and the communities of Bedgerabong, Corinella, Waroo, Jemalong and Garema.
Rainfall and flooding continued into October, and a number of the rivers peaked on multiple occasions.
In mid-October, in the midst of the flooding, Parkes was hit by a severe thunderstorm which brought heavy rain, hail, violent winds and a tornado.
The State Emergency Service was tasked with leading the flood response across 85 days, carrying out 59 flood rescues, 838 other flood-related activities and 1685 storm tasks. A mammoth effort.
Their work included rescuing people and animals from flooding, flood warnings, evacuations, coordinating emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people, and coordinating the collection of flood information.
Mr Walshaw estimated volunteers filled 20,000 sandbags in their efforts to protect property, which also included lifting of moving furniture, stock and equipment.
Lachlan Region’s Nichole Richardson, Trish Malone, Kathryn Read, Cliff Green and Tanya Jones received Unit Citations for outstanding efforts during the flood.
Other SES volunteers who were recognised were:
Karl Milic, Cowra Local Controller; Ray Johnston, Cowra; Bill Atchison, Grenfell Local Controller; Judy Price, Condobolin; Glen Morgan, Peak Hill; Donald Wright, Trundle; Delwyn Wright, West Wyalong.
Also the Lachlan, Cowra, Forbes, Euabalong, Ungarie, Condobolin, Gooloogong, Grenfell, Lake Cargelligo, Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and West Wyalong units were acknowledged.
Also on the day, Kerry Locke of the Forbes unit received her 10-year long service medal and Joel Cuskelly recognition of five years’ service.
Congratulations to all of the worthy State Emergency Services award recipients.
