The Member for Ipswich, Jennifer Howard congratulated Ipswich City SES Group on being awarded the Assistant Commissioner’s shield for operational response of the year in this year’s SES Week Awards.

The Member for Ipswich said the awards recognised SES members, groups and units who provided outstanding service to their community in times of need.

“The Queensland SES has a proud history of helping, protecting and educating our communities,” Ms Howard said.

“SES Week is an important event in our calendar, as we honour the hard work and outstanding efforts of staff and volunteers across Queensland.

“Our volunteers give up time they may spend with family to help the community prepare and recover from disasters.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, thanked SES volunteers and staff for their dedication and contribution.

“Our dedicated SES volunteers look after their communities all year round, and particularly in times of trouble.

“That’s why to back our SES, the government has increased its funding commitment this year by over seven percent bringing it to record levels.

“We will continue to support the SES now and into the future.”

The annual awards provide an opportunity to honour the hard work and celebrate the outstanding efforts of SES members across the state.

QFES Commissioner Greg Leach congratulated the award recipients for their outstanding work with Queensland communities.

“Our SES volunteers selflessly donate their time to assist the community, often travelling long distances.

“To those thinking of volunteering with QFES, I encourage them to take the next step and enquire with their local unit and learn about the many roles available.”

“I thank all SES members for helping their communities prepare for weather events and get back on their feet following disasters.”

The SES has approximately 6000 volunteers who perform a diverse range of functions when responding to local, state and national emergencies.