Members of the Moama SES have been recognised with top honours for their efforts to protect their local community during emergencies.

Special guests and SES members gathered at the Moama SES headquarters on Tuesday, March 31, for an awards ceremony acknowledging the dedication and service of local volunteers.

Among those in attendance were Deputy Zone Commander for Western Riverina Brett Koschel, Acting Zone Commander Chief Superintendent Benjamin Lavender, and Central Murray Local Commander Jodie Graham, who presented the awards.

The evening’s highest accolade, the NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation, was awarded to former unit commander Bruce Smith for his leadership and response during the 2022–23 floods.

Mr Smith was among many volunteers across the state who worked on the frontlines of catastrophic flooding, which set records for rainfall and flood levels in numerous regions.

Mr Lavender praised all SES members involved in the 203 day operation.

“We talk about the 2022–23 floods a fair bit, and you almost lose sight of how significant it was until you start to look at the stats and how long people were operational for,” he said.

“203 consecutive days operational is a momentous achievement for everyone and anyone who was a part of that, should be very proud... I know the community thanks you.”

Members of the Mathoura unit also received Flood Emergency Citations on the night, which were accepted on their behalf by Ms Graham as they were unable to attend the ceremony.

The Moama unit received two Commissioner’s Certificates of Appreciation for their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and for assisting Southern Zone communities during the NSW floods between August 2022 and February 2023.

Despite the hardships of the floods, Mr Smith said the community’s support made a difference.

“I was thinking about retiring, but when the floods come on, it kept me going for another few years,” he said.

“A lot of the old members had come back, I hadn't seen some for years, but just having someone drive you around while you're taking phone calls and jobs... it was amazing because virtually I was here by myself.

“It was just continuous but the good thing about it, every time I went home there was a meal on the table. I didn’t know where it came from, and I think I ate better during the floods than I normally ate.”

Mr Smith officially stepped down from his role as unit commander earlier this year and will be succeeded by new unit commander Bill Kuluris and Deputy Unit Commander Troy Wallace.

Mr Kuluris and Mr Wallace were presented with new name badges during the awards ceremony in recognition of their appointments to their respective roles.

To help continue the important work they do, the Moama unit is always on the lookout for more volunteers to join their ranks.

To inquire about volunteering with the SES, visit ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer

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