Marine Rescue NSW has welcomed the recognition of three dedicated volunteers in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, with each awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for distinguished service and commitment to maritime search and rescue.
The three volunteers, who together have contributed 60 years of service to Marine Rescue NSW, have been recognised for their outstanding dedication to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting their local communities.
The Emergency Services Medal acknowledges distinguished service by members of Australia’s emergency services, including those involved in emergency management, training and education.
This year’s Marine Rescue NSW recipients are:
- Paul Ballard, Master and Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Port Jackson
- Suzanne Freeman, Coxswain and Membership and Welfare Officer at Marine Rescue Port Stephens
- David Farmer, Coxswain and Deputy Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews congratulated the trio, describing the honour as a fitting recognition of their outstanding service to the community.
“Their dedication and commitment to serving boaters and those who enjoy our waterways is appreciated not only by Marine Rescue NSW, but also by the wider community,” Commissioner Andrews said.
“All three recipients are highly experienced mariners who have generously shared their knowledge and expertise within the Service.
“Our volunteers give up personal and family time to assist boaters in distress at any hour of the day or night and are unwavering in their commitment to keeping our waterways as safe as possible.
“Paul, Sue and David have each made exceptional contributions to Marine Rescue NSW and their communities over many years. Their professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment to saving lives on the water make them worthy recipients of the Emergency Services Medal.”
Paul Ballard – Marine Rescue Port Jackson
With more than 21 years of service, Paul Ballard has become one of Marine Rescue NSW’s most respected operational leaders and mentors.
Joining the former Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association in 2005, Paul has attained the rank of Marine Rescue Master and currently serves as Unit Commander at Marine Rescue Port Jackson. Throughout his service, he has led and participated in numerous rescue missions, including complex offshore operations and extensive searches for missing persons in challenging conditions off Sydney Heads and around Sydney Harbour.
Widely respected for his professionalism, judgement and calm leadership, Paul has trained and mentored hundreds of volunteers as a Trainer and Assessor, helping to strengthen operational capability and safety standards across the Service.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Marine Rescue Port Jackson named its largest rescue vessel Port Jackson 31 – Paul Ballard, reflecting the deep respect held for him by fellow volunteers.
Suzanne Freeman – Marine Rescue Port Stephens
For almost 24 years, Suzanne Freeman has provided distinguished service to the boating community through her operational leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to volunteer welfare.
A highly experienced Coxswain and Watch Officer, Suzanne has accumulated more than 4,900 operational hours on rescue vessels and more than 1,350 hours in the radio room. She has participated in numerous rescue operations, many conducted in challenging offshore conditions.
Suzanne’s courage and professionalism during the devastating East Coast Low emergency in January 2016 saw her awarded the Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage and subsequently the Australian Bravery Medal.
As Membership and Welfare Officer at Marine Rescue Port Stephens, Suzanne is recognised as a trusted mentor and passionate advocate for fellow volunteers, particularly women within Marine Rescue NSW, where she continues to encourage and support future generations of female leaders.
David Farmer – Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes
David Farmer has played a pivotal role in building and strengthening Marine Rescue NSW’s specialist inland rescue capability across the Snowy Mountains region.
Joining Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes in 2011, David became the first inland Marine Rescue NSW Coxswain in the state and continues to serve as both Coxswain and Deputy Unit Commander. He has helped deliver 24/7 marine search and rescue capability across Lake Jindabyne, Lake Eucumbene and surrounding alpine waterways.
Known for his leadership, operational expertise and commitment to volunteer development, David has built strong inter-agency relationships with emergency services including the NSW Police Force, helping deliver effective rescue outcomes in some of the state’s most challenging environments.
David’s commitment to emergency service extends well beyond Marine Rescue NSW. He has served as an on-call firefighter and Station Commander for more than 36 years with Fire and Rescue NSW at Jindabyne, responding to numerous emergencies including the 2003 and 2019 bushfires and the Thredbo landslide disaster, demonstrating a lifetime dedication to protecting regional communities.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state. Our 3,500 trained volunteers support communities through search and rescue operations, marine radio monitoring and boating safety education.
