What’s happening?
State Emergency Service (SES) Week wrapped up with the State Awards Ceremony in Brisbane on Saturday, 23 August, at Room Three Sixty, the top-floor venue at Gardens Point. The event concluded a week of celebrations from 18 to 24 August, honouring the dedication of SES volunteers across Queensland.
Deputy Commissioner, Disaster and Emergency Management, Queensland Police Service, Mr Chris Stream joined SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong and other dignitaries to recognise the outstanding contributions of members.
Why it matters
Redland City SES stood out at this year’s awards, securing both individual and group honours. Steven Hayes won the Minister’s Cup for Member of the Year, while the Redland City Unit was Highly Commended in the Commissioner’s Cup for Unit/Group of the Year. Their recognition reflects the strong commitment of local volunteers who dedicate their time to protecting the community.
Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Jos Mitchell said the results were a testament to the calibre of local SES volunteers. “It was particularly pleasing to see Steven Hayes receive the Minister’s Cup for Member of Year – the third time a Redland City SES Unit member has won this award,” the Mayor said.
“Redland City SES members are real community heroes who give up their time to keep our community safe and help reduce the potential for greater damage to property. They are regularly recognised through annual state and regional awards and, on behalf of the community, I congratulate them on this recognition at the 2025 Queensland awards.”
Local Impact
Steven Hayes, of the Redland Bay Group, received the Minister’s Cup for distinguished service through his contribution to enhancing operations, training, preparedness and collaboration.
The Redland City Unit itself was Highly Commended in the Commissioner’s Cup for providing a broad range of innovative strategies that strengthened effectiveness, cohesion, and emergency assistance.
Other Redland City finalists included:
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Malakai Keen, Cleveland Group, Highly Commended in the Director’s Cup for Young Member of the Year.
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Justin Kirkby, Redland Bay Group, Highly Commended in the Suncorp Spirit of SES Award.
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Tony Daniel, Redland Bay Group, recognised with a Life Member Award for 50 years of service.
By the numbers
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7 SES regions across Queensland held award ceremonies in May before finalists advanced to the state awards.
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2 major honours for Redland City SES at the state ceremony – a Minister’s Cup win and a Commissioner’s Cup commendation.
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100+ years of service recognised overall through Life Member Awards across all regions, including Tony Daniel’s 50 years.
Zoom in
Photos from the event show Steven Hayes receiving his Minister’s Cup from Acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Stream, celebrating his recognition as Queensland SES Member of the Year. Alongside him, the Redland City Unit was praised for its achievements and highlighted as a state finalist.
The Redland City Unit has more than 180 members across roles that range from storm damage response, flood boat operations, and search and rescue to administration, education, and operational support.
Zoom out
The State Awards followed regional ceremonies held earlier in May, where local winners were nominated for state-level recognition. Other state awardees included Maryborough SES Group, Bethany Sarles from Holloways Beach, Nicole Bradley from Townsville, and Jenny Wilson from Gympie.
What to look for next?
As SES Week closes, the Redland City Unit continues to stand recognised as a leader in community safety. With strong individual and team achievements, its members remain an essential part of Queensland’s broader SES family and will keep serving the community in times of need.
