Geraldton-Greenough SES celebrate 40th anniversary at awards ceremony

The Geraldton-Greenough State Emergency Service celebrated 40 years of service at the weekend, marking the milestone and cheering on volunteers with an awards ceremony. Local manager Ross Jones, who has been with the Geraldton-Greenough SES since 1995 and a SES member since 1987, has spent the past year sifting through newspaper archives and council minutes to connect the dots of the unit’s history. In 1984, Greenough deputy shire president and local member Jim Gould took the step to transform the Geraldton Civil Defence Unit into the Geraldton-Greenough SES. “Most other SES units started at different dates in the 60s, 70s and 80s, changing over from civil defence or creating new units, so their anniversary dates are all different,” Mr Jones said. At the ceremony on Saturday, both old and current members were invited to celebrate 40 years, with some members awarded medals for their ongoing contributions to the unit. Joey Mihaly, Mark Morris, Kira Wilson, Theresa Wilkes and Trina Cooper were awarded a medallion for five years of service, while Lisa Naera and deputy local manager Amy Drage both received certificates of appreciation. Ms Naera was recognised her constant support, while Ms Drage was dubbed an outstanding member of the unit. David Hoare received the National Medal first and second clasp for 35 years of service, Judy Britza received a first clasp for 25 years and Pati Stidworthy received a National Medal.