NSW STATE Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers from the Hastings Cluster were recognised for courage, long service and outstanding commitment to the community at an awards ceremony held at the Westport Club.
The event highlighted the dedication of local volunteers who balance family and work commitments with training and call-outs to support the community during floods, storms and rescue callouts.
Awards were presented by NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns alongside local dignitaries including MP Robert Dwyer, Mayor Adam Roberts and Port Macquarie Council General Manager Robert Fish.
The NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage was awarded to Mark Anderson and Michael Ward for courage during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods.
Their overnight deployment to assist Macksville turned into a weeklong redeployment assisting the Mullumbimby unit near Lismore with multiple flood rescues, using vehicles and boats, dealing with landslips, power outages and loss of the local mobile communications tower.
The Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage was also awarded to five members of the Hastings Cluster Flood Rescue team for their selfless service during flooding in 2025.
Alfred Portenschlager, Shane Geurts, Christopher Staffort, Coen Acret and Will Steggall were acknowledged for their courage during extreme and dangerous weather conditions, when they conducted rescues and evacuations along the Hastings River during multiple 12-14 hour shifts in the major flood event last May.
“None of us serve expecting recognition, yet moments like this remind us of the importance of what we do – even when it requires stepping into challenging or dangerous situations,” said Mr Portenschlage, a Leading Senior Operator (LSO).
Mr Geurts, the Unit Commander of Wauchope SES, said the award underscored the importance of “stepping up and helping others when it matters most”.
“Being part of the NSW SES is about more than volunteering, it’s about being there for people in times of need,” he said.
NSW SES Commissioner’s Unit Citations were also presented to the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven units, in recognition of exemplary actions that saved lives and protected communities during significant flooding across the entire Mid North Coast in May 2025.
NSW SES Volunteers assisted in 475 storm and sandbagging flood support jobs, 12 flood rescues, 10 evacuation requests, 60 medical, food, and supply drops, along with requests for transport and fodder deliveries.
Long and diligent service was also acknowledged, with National Medals (15 years) presented to Henry Lundell, Scott Witchard and Tori White, and a National Medal clasp (25 years) presented to Will Steggall.
Mr Steggall, a Senior Operator, said the milestone was a “big one”.
“It’s great to be recognised by the SES,” he said.
“You see so many selfless acts of courage, compassion and service in the SES – it’s uplifting.”
Ray Unger received the NSW SES 10 Year Long Service Award for a decade of active and Meritus service.
National Emergency Medals (Bushfires 2019–2020) were awarded to Paul Burg, Sarah Burg and Katie Blake in recognition of their service during the significant bushfire emergency period.
Volunteers’ family members and employers were also acknowledged for their support of local NSW SES members.
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