SES Members Celebrated At State Awards

The remarkable contributions of State Emergency Service (SES) teams and members have been recognised and celebrated at the service’s State Awards ceremony today.

The prestigious awards were held at Brisbane City Hall, and mark the end of SES Week, which honours the more than 5500 SES Members across the state, and acknowledges their hard work and dedication.

Finalists were drawn from the winners of the regional awards, which were held across Queensland earlier this year.

Acting Deputy Commissioner for Disaster and Emergency Management, Rhys Wildman, said the awards are recognition of the impact SES members have on the Queensland community.

“Whether it’s police operations, search and rescues, cyclones or floods, our incredible SES members are always a steadfast presence when Queenslanders need them most,” Deputy Commissioner Wildman said.

“This year’s SES Week theme ‘Ready, Together, is a reminder that building resilience and responding to emergencies is something we achieve by working together.

“As we wrap up SES Week 2026, these awards are an important acknowledgement of the amazing work our members do, dedicating their time and expertise to protecting lives and properties across the state.”

SES Acting Chief Officer Danny Baade took the opportunity to thank members for their ongoing support and commitment.

“The dedication of our members is the perfect demonstration of the Queensland spirit,” Acting Chief Officer Baade said.

“We are so grateful for their sacrifices, hard work and passion.

“During the last financial year, our volunteers dedicated more than 127,000 operational hours to the service, and the state.”

SES Week is an annual celebration dedicated to recognising the contributions of SES members and showcasing the strength of Queensland’s Orange Army.

Selected winners of the regional awards, travelled to Brisbane for the State awards.

“These awards are a reflection of the incredible strength and unity of the entire SES family across Queensland,” Acting Chief Officer Baade said.

“They recognise the exceptional service and spirit of our volunteers.”

SES Week ran from August 23 to 30.

State Award Winners

• Minister’s Cup for Member of the Year

Kylie Lang, Atherton SES Group, Far Northern Region

For exceptional leadership, dedication, and contribution to strengthening the Atherton SES Group and its service to the community.

• Commissioner’s Cup for Unit/Group of the Year

Bundaberg Regional SES Unit, North Coast Region

In recognition of outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to enhancing capability, professionalism, and operational readiness.

• Chief Officer’s Shield for Operational Response of the Year

Clifton SES Group, South Western Region

In recognition of the Clifton SES Group’s extraordinary dedication, resilience and vital support to community in response to an unprecedented 119 tasks from the severe storm of 1 November 2025.

• Director’s Cup for Young Member of the Year

Gracie Springer, Tewantin SES Group, North Coast Region

For dedication, courage, and outstanding service to the Noosa SES Unit and community.

• Joyce Scorey Shield for Trainer of the Year

Andrew Collins, Caloundra SES Group, North Coast Region

For exceptional leadership and delivery of training, mentoring, competency maintenance, and infrastructure enhancing both training and operational capability of Caloundra SES Group.

• Suncorp Spirit of SES Winner

Gregory Yuskan, Whitsunday SES Group, Central Region

For achievements and leadership demonstrating the Spirit of SES through developing the EOC Microsoft Teams site, inspiring volunteers through innovation, training, integrity, professionalism and exceptional service to the community.

• Life Member Awards
• Warren Spreadborough, Central Region
• Nicholas Gower, Brisbane Region

For more information on SES Week visit https://www.ses.qld.gov.au/events