Redland City SES Unit volunteers were recognised for distinguished service at the annual Queensland SES Awards, with Steven Hayes receiving the Minister’s Cup for State Member of the Year.
The Unit had three other finalists at the awards – Malakai Keen (Young Member of the Year), Redland City SES Unit (Unit/Group of the Year) and Justin Kirkby (Spirit of SES Award) – and Tony Daniel received a Life Member Award for 50 years’ service.
The Queensland SES State Awards were held in Brisbane on Saturday 23 August as part of SES Week (18 to 24 August).
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Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Jos Mitchell said the results were testament to the high calibre of local SES volunteers and the outstanding work they do in difficult times.
“It was particularly pleasing to see Steven Hayes receive the Minister’s Cup for Member of Year – the third time a Redland City SES Unit member has won this award,” the Mayor said.
“Redland City SES members are real community heroes who give up their time to keep our community safe and help reduce the potential for greater damage to property.
“They are regularly recognised through annual state and regional awards and, on behalf of the community, I congratulate them on this recognition at the 2025 Queensland awards.”
Member of the Year Steven Hayes, of Redland Bay Group, was recognised for distinguished service to the Redland City SES Unit through exemplary contribution to enhancing all aspects of operations, training, preparedness and interoperability.
Malakai Keen, of Cleveland Group, was Highly Commended in the Director’s Cup for Young Member of the Year. This recognition was for distinguished service to the SES through exceptional commitment, leadership and contribution to the preparedness of Redland City SES Unit and showing maturity beyond his years in mentoring and assisting his fellow members.
Justin Kirkby, of Redland Bay Group, was Highly Commended in the Suncorp Spirit of SES Award for distinguished service incorporating outstanding leadership, training delivery and operational innovation.
Redland City SES Unit was Highly Commended in the Commissioner’s Cup for Unit/Group of the Year for providing a broad range of innovative and successful strategies to enhance Unit effectiveness, cohesion and the provision of SES assistance during emergencies.
Tony Daniel, who received a Life Member Award, has been involved with the SES since 1974. He is currently a member of Redland Bay Group.
Redland City SES Unit has more than 180 members working across a range of voluntary roles including responding to storm damage to roofs and fallen trees on dwellings, flood boat responses, evacuations, first aid and search and rescue.
There are also non-field roles in administration, community education and operational support that are no less important in responding to different types of disasters and emergencies.
For information on becoming an SES volunteer, visit ses.qld.gov.au
