When Tim Anderson joined the Kiama SES at just 16, it had only just been established.

“When we started we only had a trailer, and operated out of the old Council Chamber,” he says.

“It’s amazing to see how we’ve grown, and the equipment and training we have to back us up.”

The unit is soon to take delivery of one of the six new Unimog high clearance vehicles, specifically designed for flood rescue, which is capable of going through 1.2m of flood water.

“Kiama was chosen because of the high number of flood rescue people we have, who can be deployed throughout the state. Our vehicle will cover from Sutherland to the Victorian border,” says Tim.

He is one of three unit members who were recognised at a ceremony last week for forty years’ service, along with his elder brother Malcolm and Unit Commander Chris Warren, as well as receiving his life membership (Malcolm already has his) along with Andy Kinch.

Unit Commander Chris Warren receives his 40 Year award from NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York and Councillor Mark Croxford

Southern Illawarra Local Commander Chief Inspector Terrie-Ann Hurt said the ceremony was significant because of the recent prolonged operations across the state.

“Awards and medals are never the motivation for why our volunteers join NSW SES.

“However, the members know these awards and medals come from the community as a way of acknowledging the effort and thousands of hours spent making the NSW SES as professional and capable as we are.”

The Kiama unit award recipients were:

Life membership

Tim Anderson; Andy Kinch

40 years

Malcolm Anderson; Tim Anderson; Chris Warren

35 years

John Wall; Robert Sainsbury

25 years

Peter Smiley

20 years

Alex Bussing-Todd; Andrew Sharp; Gary Cass; Kel Milne; Daniel Pridham; Louise Ashton

15 years

Andrew McKenzie; Max Boys; Robert McDonald; Anna Habeck

10 years

Will Alard; Greg Clark; Kirra Waine; Terry Beaumont; Andrew McCullough

National Emergency Medal (Cyclone Debbie 2017)

Deb Dunster; Andrew McCullough; Kirra Waine; Lauren Clough; Johannes Ludick; Corey McMillan

Commissioner’s Commendation for courage

Colin Elphik

Commissioner’s Commendation for teamwork and preserving the life of a unit member

Alex Bussing-Todd; Ben Jackson

Unit citations for a complex bush search at Carrington Falls in 2015

Will Alards; Aaron McGifford; Andrew McKenzie; Joshua McLaren