By Eleanor Wilson
Nearly three months after SES Narre Warren Unit was recognised in City of Casey’s Australia Day Awards, the community volunteers were presented with their award at a ceremony at Bunjil Place on Tuesday 12 April.
After Covid restrictions delayed an award ceremony in January, SES Narre Warren volunteers were awarded the 2022 Casey Community Group of the Year Award, sharing the accolade with South East Palliative Care who provide specialist palliative care services across the South East.
The Casey Australia Day Awards is an annual event that celebrates the achievements and contributions of eminent Casey citizens and groups.
Narre Warren SES unit controller Damian Burns said he nominated the unit after they “wouldn’t put themselves up”.
“They’re quite a humble group, they won’t say they’re fantastic but they’re humanitarian – they give the most valuable thing they’ve got and that’s their time, because that is time away from their families and time that other people would normally spend in self-interests and personal time,” Mr Burns said.
“They give it to strangers at all times of the day because we’re not just a service that works from sunrise to sunset, we turn up at 3am in the morning for a stranger if they’re in need.”
The local SES unit includes 72 members, which enables them to run a 24/7 volunteer service.
Throughout 2021, Narre Warren SES worked to assist fire services in the City of Casey and across Victoria. The unit also facilitated rescue efforts throughout the 2021 winter storms in the Dandenong Ranges and assisted with efforts during Gippsland floodings.
They were also instrumental in service delivery and border support throughout the Covid pandemic.
“When we received the award I said we didn’t need it because volunteerism in itself gives a great feeling, however, it is great that the City of Casey recognises these great citizens.”
