Outstanding service during worst floods in state’s history recognised

The Premier's Flood Emergency Citation honours individuals who played a significant role in responding to some of the worst flooding on record, in which communities were impacted across southern, western, northern and central NSW.

A ceremony at NSW Parliament this week was among events to be held across the state, ensuring recipients are recognised within their own communities.

Recipients include members from NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW, Volunteer Rescue Association NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, alongside community organisations, spontaneous volunteers, as well as interstate and international emergency services who supported the response.

They played critical roles during an extended period of devastating flooding across NSW, including:

• Southern and Western NSW floods: 9 November 2021 - 21 February 2022
• Northern NSW and Hawkesbury-Nepean floods: 22 February - 8 April 2022
• Greater Sydney and Hunter Valley floods: 27 June - 17 July 2022
• Southern and Western NSW floods: 2 August 2022 - 8 March 2023

The statewide rollout of ceremonies allows for the scale of the collective effort to be recognised locally, giving communities the opportunity to thank those who helped keep them safe during one of the most challenging periods in the state's history.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

"Police are there for our community in every emergency - often the first to arrive, stepping into chaos with the responsibility to protect life and restore calm - and recognitions like these matter because they honour the extraordinary work they do under pressure, work that no doubt saves lives.

"When disaster strikes - especially over an extended period - police must quickly shift resources and stay constantly alert, showing just how capable and committed they are.

"To our police we say thank you. You work tirelessly to keep people safe, often in the most difficult circumstances and our community is deeply grateful for everything you do."

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

"This citation reflects the unwavering dedication of all personnel who supported the people of NSW through these devastating flood events. Their professionalism, resilience and compassion were evident in every act of service.

"These floods claimed lives, destroyed homes and deeply impacted communities. In the years since, we have seen the strength and resilience of those affected, but the recovery journey, both physical and emotional, continues.

"I want to thank the volunteers and partner emergency services who were on the ground day and night, many while their own homes and communities were impacted. Their commitment is the foundation of our state's emergency response capability, and while they don't do it for the recognition, it's fitting that their efforts are formally honoured."

Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

"It is deeply moving to recognize the more than 34,000 individuals who stood in the gap during our state's darkest hours. These ceremonies are being held locally for a reason, because the people being honoured are our neighbours, our friends, and our local heroes.

"The 2021-2023 flood period tested the very fabric of NSW, but it also revealed our greatest strength: our people. Whether you were an SES volunteer, a member of the RFS, or a local resident who jumped in to help, this citation is a testament to the fact that when things are at their worst, NSW is at its best.

"The journey to recovery is a long one, but it is built on the bravery and dedication of those who were there when their communities needed them most."

NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing said:

"The scale and complexity of these flood events required a coordinated, statewide response. We are grateful to our partner emergency services, community organisations and spontaneous volunteers whose contributions made a real difference during a very difficult time.

"A special thank you to our NSW SES volunteers and the interstate and international personnel who came to assist when it was needed most.

"The NSW SES alone responded to tens of thousands of requests for assistance, while community organisations worked side by side with government agencies to help keep communities safe."