Three hard working local volunteers have been named finalists in the Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA).
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Port Macquarie lifeguard supervisor James Turnham, Marine Rescue Port Macquarie training officer Alison Cameron-Brown and Wauchope SES unit commander Paul Burg have all been recognised for their dedication to the community.
The RESCA are an initiative of the Rotary Districts of NSW and aim to acknowledge and celebrate the selfless community service of NSW Emergency Services personnel.
Paul Burg has been a volunteer with the NSW SES for 25 years. He advanced to the role of local commander of the Port Macquarie-Hastings area in 2017 and is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Camden Haven and Lord Howe Island units.
Over the years he has also taken on the role of acting local commander in the Kempsey Shire.
"Helping people is the best part about what I do with the SES," Paul said.
The local SES played a major role in the flood emergency earlier this year.
"It was really all hands on deck during the flood. We have about 84 SES members to cover an area with around 84,000 residents. It was a big job," Paul said.
Being a volunteer with the SES for 25 years, Paul said he doesn't do the work for the recognition.
"It's very humbling to be nominated for an award. I don't go out looking for recognition or awards, so it's a big surprise," he said.
Port Macquarie Marine Rescue volunteer Alison Cameron-Brown said the most rewarding part of her work with Marine Rescue is the people she volunteers with.
"They're a wonderful bunch of people and I do feel that when you give something, like your time, you get it back because you're helping people," she said.
Alison has been a member of Port Macquarie Marine Rescue for almost seven years.
"I have worked my way from a crew member, to a jet ski operator, to part of the lead crew and a skipper," she said.
Alison also trains new Marine Rescue recruits.
"Marine Rescue is very rewarding to be a part of and I'm very flattered to be recognised for the work I do," she said.
Port Macquarie lifeguard supervisor James Turnham has also been named a finalist in the RESCA.
James has been keeping local beaches safe since 2003.
His service as an ocean lifeguard was also recognised in 2018 when he was named Australian Lifeguard of the Year.
"Doing surf education at schools is something I love and something that is pretty important. It's not just being on the beach," he said at the time.
"It's great to be part of such a community-based service.
"We do it for the community. We just want people to go home safe at the end of the day."
The RESCA winners will be announced at an official awards dinner in August.
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