2023 Finalists
Congratulations to this year's finalists
Melissa Buckingham - Ambulance Victoria (Ballarat)Over 35 years, Mel's impact as a pioneering female paramedic at Ambulance Victoria is profound. As Operations Community Engagement Liaison Coordinator, she connects diverse communities in the Grampians and Wimmera, bridging gaps for groups like the Ballarat Indigenous Community, Sudanese refugees, and at-risk women through the Ballarat Police network. Her dedication shines through her work with PRIDE, Neurodiverse individuals, Heartsafe, and GoodSAM, earning admiration for her genuine care. Mel's efforts gobeyond work hours, delivering CPR training, joining smoking ceremonies, and contributing to boards for greater impact. Her commitment ensures access to grants, AEDs, CPR knowledge, and health initiatives across 11 LGAs, making her an Ambulance Victoria icon.
Graham John Symons - Country Fire Authority (Omeo)Graham's lifelong dedication to his local community is exceptional and spans various rolesincluding Omeo Fire Brigade member for over 40yearsand Captain for over 10 years, as well as anAmbulance Victoria Community Officer for 33 years. Graham is on the committeesfor the Omeo Recreation Reserve, Omeo & District Agricultural & Pastoral Society, Omeo Shire Lions Club, RSL organizer for Remembrance services for 10+ years, CFA Group Officer and Omeo Fire Brigade Group delegate and the Livingstone Park Development Committee for 10 years Graham's proactive fire preparedness, establishment of community resources, mentoring, and consistent availability demonstrate his indispensability. His support during the 2019-20 fires and respected role in community meetings highlight his deep impact. Graham's unwavering commitment embodies true responsibility and care, making a lasting difference in his community
Tyson Taylor -Fire Rescue Victoria (Melbourne)Tyson's impact is felt across multiple spheres of service. As an Operational Firefighter with FRV and an Army Officer with nearly 17 years of service, heis a dedicated community pillar. He played a pivotal role in harmonising fire services, mentoring in cultural differences and firefighting practices. His commitment extends to educating through filmed packages for new FRV fire stations.Notably, Tyson's devotion is exemplified by his roles as a Volunteer Governor of The Shrine of Remembrance, a Veteran Mentor with RSL Victoria, and a researcher with the Emergency Services Foundation. His exceptional community contributions include delivering Teddy Bears to kids with cancer, raising funds for Camp Quality, and providing aid to the Royal Children's Hospital.He continues to be a role model for children impacted by cancer through Camp Quality and The Children’s Cancer Foundation. His pursuit of an MBA (LAW) from UNSW underscores his aspirationto lead in the community. Tyson's multifaceted dedication showcases his commitment to service and compassion for others.
Christopher Lee - Forest Fire Management (Knoxfield)Chris is a multifaceted individual committed to his roles in the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) and emergency services. As a senior regulatory analyst, he addresses environmental challenges. He is a frontline General Firefighter, aiding in bushfires, a Rapid Risk Assessment Team member, aiding recovery and a Water Services Specialistduring floods. His leadership is showcased as Chair of the Australian Water Association's Victorian Young Water Professionals Committee. He fosters networking and mentorship globallysupportinginternational students as a Graduate Ambassador at The University of Melbourne and disadvantaged students at Thien An Education Centre. His democracy ambassador role highlights his civic engagement and commitment to community well-being.
Mevan Jayawardena - Life Saving Victoria (Mordialloc)At Life Saving Victoria, Mevan'srole catalyses lifesaving innovations and aligns membership goals with the organisation's vision. His leadership during the pandemic brought stability and growth, guided by collaboration frameworks. Mevan's commitment to personal growth is evident through skill development, advocating for values and democracy. His humility and dedication empower communities. A Sri Lankan in Australia, he values family and well-being, establishing a charity for tsunami-affected families and collaborating globally for watersafety. He volunteers locally, supporting youth programs. Mevan's contributions locally and internationally, promoting drowning prevention and water safety, leave a commendable impact on individuals and communities through Life Saving Victoria
Peter Bellion - Life Saving Victoria (Port Melbourne)Since 2009 Peter Bellion has exemplifiedunwavering dedication to the Port Melbourne Life Saving Club.This season, he donned various hats –Club President, School Program Leader, and early morning swimmers' water safety advocate. As a Board Member, he mentored younger peers, contributing over 1,700 hours from 2013 to 2022. His leadership extended to core patrol captain duties on scorching days, coupled with debriefing sessions for patrollers post-rescues.Beyond his local commitment, Peter amplified impact through strategic enhancement over three years and advocating for mental health awareness, addressingPTSD at multiple lifesaving clubs. He actively participated in Tony's Trek, a 1500 km walk advocating mental health support for Emergency Services Workers. His engagement in disaster response via drone operation and dedicated efforts in searches and rescues underline his resolute spirit. Peter's profound dedication cultivates safety, ensuring Port Melbourne beach remains a secure haven watched over by the club.
Stephen Sennett - Red Cross (West Metro)At the Australian Red Cross, Stephen is a critical member of the team, exemplifying unwavering dedication. As a state trainer, he imparts knowledge, serving as function lead for EMLOs in the incident management team. His multifaceted role includes representing Red Cross at legislative meetings and offering continuous project oversight. During activations, his extensive expertise shines, supported by over 600 volunteer hours during the 2020bushfires and consistent Covid-era emergency food relief efforts.Recently, Stephen was deployed as a Commander to the Northern Territory to support the Aboriginal flood affected victims.Stephen's commitment extends to Rotary, where he actively contributes as a charter member of the Melbourne E-club. His tech leadership and promotion efforts transcend the club's boundaries, assisting the Rotary District in various IT capacities. He played a pivotal role in the District 9800 End Polio Walk With Us committee, fostering a $300k fundraising success over three years. Moreover, his contributions to the 'Big Difference' event, which involved packing disaster-relief meals, underscores his altruistic spirit.
William Robson - SES Victoria (Bacchus Marsh)Bill's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and leadership. Joining SES at 16 and later becoming its controller at 31, he demonstrates remarkable commitment. As a CFA member for 17 years, Bill excels as a crew leader and incident controller.His prowess shines as an SES volunteer, leading teams in diverse emergencies and aiding other agencies. He meticulously oversees the SES Bacchus Marsh headquarters, guiding a team of 50+ spanninggenerations. Bill is a community guardian, ensuring operational readiness, financial management, and community education.His weekly devotion encompasses over 25 hours of SES/CFA activities alongside regular employment, further exemplifying his commitment. Bill's humility and leadership resonate, fostering both camaraderie and respect. His achievements, including SES life membership and the National Medal for Community Dedication, highlight his profound impact despite his youth.
Yvonne Berrie -St John Ambulance (Wodonga)Yvonne's journey with St John showcases her extraordinary commitment. Since joining in 2013, she's risen from Wodonga Division member to Divisional Manager, overseeing one of Victoria's largest regional divisions. Yvonne's leadership played a pivotal role in rebuilding the division, spanning training, operations, and administration.Despite her managerial role, Yvonne remains engaged in weekly training sessions, contributingover 350 hours this year alone. Her dedication is evident as she consistently exceeds 1,000 hours of public duty annually. Sheisa constant support to neighbouringdivisions, traveling hours for training delivery, event coverage, and maintenance of divisional facilities.Yvonne's impact extends to Emergency Management Activations, with significant contributions during the 2019-20 bushfires, COVID response, and 2022 floods. Her service isn't confined to St John; sheis also a dedicated SES member, contributing to training, fundraising, and community engagement. Yvonne's remarkable dedication shines as a beacon of service, touching communities and lives across various domains
Ann Meates - Victorian Council of Churches (Maribyrnong)Ann has been a volunteer with Victorian Council of ChurchesEmergencies Ministriesfor almost 11 years. She is now theArea Coordinator for the Maribyrnong LGA,which involves managingall thevolunteers and activations in this municipality. She provides psychological first aid and emotional spiritual care to residents who have been impacted by a crisis. Over the years, Ann has beendeployed to emergency relief centres in and around all metro areas of Melbourneand across Victoria at all hours andwas the first VCC Emergency Ministriesteam to ever be deployed interstate to NSW during the floods in March of 2022. Ann was a recipient of the National Emergency Medal for her support during the 2019/2020 Bushfires as a VCC Emergencies Ministry Volunteer.Her story exemplifies how dedicated individuals profoundly influence communities in crises
Stan Jezewski - Shepparton Search and Rescue (Emergency Management Victoria)Stan's remarkable commitment to the Shepparton Search & Rescue Squad spans 50 years, with his service originating in 1973. As a steadfast firstresponder, he remains available 24/7 for Road Crash and Storm & Flood Incidents. His dedication shines through in his relentless response to countless events, regardless of the hour, demonstrating a half-century of unwavering commitment.Stan's involvement involves 10 hours per week maintaining vital equipment, ensuring itis always ready for deployment. Even during personal and professional obligations, Stan prioritises callouts, leaving his business and family gatherings without hesitation.His involvement in the 2022 floods showcased his bravery and resilience as a key member of boat crews aiding rescues and providing essentials to stranded residents, working consecutively for over two weeks. Stan's active engagement in local organisations in Shepparton and Mooroopna and fundraising underscores his community devotion. Contributing approximately 500 hours annually, his exceptional and sustained dedication merits utmost recognition.
