July 8, 2013
Blackbutt SES members were presented with National Emergency Medals in a ceremony at their shed in Blackbutt today, recognising their service during the 2011 floods.
The medal – first presented to Victorian firefighters after the 2009 bushfires – honours volunteers who have given significant service in a national emergency.
The medals were presented to each of the volunteers by Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, who thanked each SES member for their efforts.
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said what the SES did as a volunteer organisation was “beyond belief”.
“You guys risk your lives,” he said.
He said that during the floods, the SES volunteers had sometimes copped abuse when manning “road closed” signs.
“But without you we would have had a larger loss of life.”
Emergency Management Queensland North Coast Area executive manager Merrick Ilett travelled from Caloundra for the awards ceremony.
Also in attendance were Officer-in-Charge Kingaroy Police, Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, and representatives from other local emergency services.
