BY ROBERT MARMONT

The Southern Zone – Riverine Plains Cluster of the State Emergency Services (SES) conducted an awards ceremony in Hay Thursday last.

The presentation of Awards and Certificates were in recognition of Service to the NSW SES. The ceremony was conducted by Superintendent Shane Hargrave from Wagga. SES Members from Balranald, Hillston, Goolgowi and Hay received awards.

The Awards were presented by the SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone, Hay Mayor Carol Oataway and Balranald Mayor Louie Zaffina.

Each of the presenters gave a short speech in support of their local SES. Hay General Manager David Webb also attended.

It was noted that there was over sixty years of service in the room, with another fifty years of service by those who were not able to be present.

One National Medal, second clasp was presented to Francis Thompson (also known as Gater) from Hillston for 35 years of dedicated Service to the Hillston SES.

Francis also received the NSW SES Long Service Certificate for 35 years diligent Service.

One National Medal for 15 years was presented to Lawrence Harris from Goolgowi, along with the NSW SES Long Service Certificate for 15 years diligent Service to the SES.

The Commissioner's Certificates of appreciation were presented by Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone to Andrew Manning and Karen Norfolk from Balranald, Inspector Lawrence Harris from Goolgowi, Senior Group Officer Robert Marmont, Deputy Unit Commander and Senior Group Officer, Sechia Darlow Deputy Unit Commander from Hay, and Senior Group Officer Mick Dowd from Hillston.

Two five years of service awards were presented to Hay members.

The first, to Senior Group Officer Robert Marmont.

"Robert's association with the Hay SES started sometime in the early 1980's, some 45 years ago when as a NSW Ambulance Officer, he began teaching First Aid to the SES Members of the time," his award read.

"Robert has trained nearly all of the SES members in basic first aid over the years, some to advanced level. Robert is still teaching first aid to the SES members today.

"Over the years Robert became part of the local SES team, attending SES training courses and training weekends and exercises. He was often the ambulance officer during RCR training, and this is still happening today.

"This honorary association continued until October 30, 2018 when Robert officially become a member of the Hay SES, nearly seven years ago, after fifty years as an ambulance paramedic – had to do something in retirement.

"Robert has undertaken many and varied roles in the SES, from being a member, duty officer, training officer, membership officer rescue officer and acting deputy from time to time.

"Robert is also the units general handy man. Robert also undertakes mentoring roles in the unit and arranges all the local needs (catering etc.) for courses.

"Robert was recently promoted to the position of one of the two Deputy Unit Commanders for Hay."

Next to receive their five years of service was Sally Ware.

"Sally joined the Hay SES Unit on March 17, 2020 after the 2019 Tumut area bushfire events," her award read.

"Sally has a rural background and works with the Local Land Services (LLS).

"As part of her work Sally has worked in the Hay control centre during the 2011 floods.

"Sally worked in the Tumut control centre during the 2019 fires and in 2023 she worked in Griffith during the Varroa Mite National Response.

"Sally has also been the recipient of the National Emergency Medal for the 2019/2020 bushfires.

"Sally has continued to undertake courses as she can, work dependent to improve her knowledge and skills in the SES.

"Sally attends callouts and training when able even though she lives a short distance out of town. Sally always lets the Duty Officer know if she is not able to attend training or jobs.

"It is not unusual to find Sally standing on the side of the Sturt Highway at her driveway waiting to be picked up if the job is east of Hay.

"Sally continues to be a valued Member of the Hay SES Unit."

Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone thanked everyone on their achievements, not forgetting the partners and families who support the SES member.

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Hillston’s Francis Thompson (centre) with Hay Mayor Carol Oataway and SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone.

Balranald Mayor Louie Zaffina, valued Hay SES members Sally Ware and Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone.

Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone, Balranald Mayor Louie Zaffina, Andrew Manning, Karen Norfolk and Shane Hargrave.