What’s Happening?
The Redland City State Emergency Service (SES) Unit volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community at the 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
Eight volunteers received SES Australia Day Achievement Awards for their exceptional efforts.
Why It Matters?
SES volunteers are critical to the safety and resilience of the Redlands Coast community, often stepping up during emergencies and crises.
These awards highlight their dedication, fostering greater community appreciation and awareness of their vital role.
Local Impact
Redland City SES volunteers play a key role in storm preparedness, flood response, risk assessments, and overall community education.
Their work ensures the safety and well-being of residents during challenging times.
Mayor Jos Mitchell commended the volunteers for their exceptional service, saying, “These eight members have performed exceptional work, above and beyond the normal course of duty, to provide significant contributions to the SES. We are privileged to have them as part of our community.”
By the Numbers
- 8 SES volunteers were honoured with achievement awards for their extraordinary contributions.
- The SES supports over 150,000 residents on the Redlands Coast.
- Several volunteers contributed to large-scale initiatives like the Fit for Role Pilot Program (Brisbane Region) and storm season preparedness.
Zoom In
The 2025 SES Australia Day Achievement Awards celebrated the remarkable contributions of eight dedicated volunteers whose efforts went above and beyond the call of duty:
- Brendon Linning was honoured for his exceptional work in educating the community about storm preparedness and his commitment to mentoring new and existing SES members.
- Cindel Richardson showcased extraordinary leadership, inspiring and uplifting the “orange family” (SES members). Her ability to harness her professional experience for training has elevated the Unit’s performance.
- David Frazer received recognition for his critical role in supporting the Fit for Role Pilot Program (Brisbane Region), enhancing the operational capabilities of the SES.
- David Sondergeld was commended for ensuring the Redland City Unit’s equipment readiness. His meticulous work, including flood boat preparedness and depot organisation, set a high standard for operational excellence.
- Diane Vandermeer stood out for her leadership in conducting risk assessments, preparing operational orders, and engaging in community education, contributing significantly to the Unit’s preparedness.
- Lisa Nardone was instrumental in securing vital equipment grants for the Unit, enabling the SES to continue its life-saving work.
- Ross Alcorn played a key role in supporting the Fit for Role Pilot Program (Brisbane Region), reinforcing the SES’s ability to respond effectively in emergencies.
- Vanessa Hein demonstrated exceptional diligence by ensuring SES members were storm-ready and managing new recruit paperwork with precision and care.
Each awardee has made a lasting impact on the Redlands Coast community, showcasing the SES’s mission to protect, educate, and prepare.
Their combined efforts highlight the strength of teamwork and individual dedication.
Zoom Out
The awards ceremony wasn’t limited to SES volunteers.
The 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards also celebrated community leaders, including Sandy Smith, who was named Citizen of the Year for 2025 for her advocacy efforts.
What to Look For Next?
The SES will continue their work in storm preparedness, education, and emergency response, with an ongoing focus on equipping new recruits and fostering stronger community ties.
For the other list of 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards winners, visit HERE.
