The tireless volunteers of the Redland City State Emergency Service have swept a major regional awards ceremony, claiming top honours for their outstanding disaster response efforts while making history as the event was held right in their own backyard of Alexandra Hills.
A Night of Local Pride
The celebrations took place on 16 May at the Alexandra Hills Hotel Convention Centre. This marked a special occasion for the community, as it was the very first time the broader Brisbane region gathered on the Redlands Coast to honour its emergency responders. The hometown advantage proved lucky for the local crew, who walked away with some of the highest forms of recognition for their dedication to public safety.
Half a Century of Service
The gathering was not just about yearly achievements, but also about celebrating a massive milestone for the entire state. The Queensland State Emergency Service marked fifty years of operation during the event. To honour the decades of hard work, Redland City group leader Cindel Richardson created and presented a special painting to mark the golden anniversary.
Sweeping the Major Categories
The local unit took home the Operational Response of the Year Award, which highlights teams that show highly effective and efficient action during major disasters or emergencies. Because of this massive regional win, the Redland City team is automatically put forward for the state-level prize, known as the Assistant Commissioner’s Shield.
In addition to the team victory, seven hard-working locals earned Regional Achievement Awards. The community proudly cheered on Cat Malcolm, Jenny Ross, Gaye Idec, Maria Forster, Lisa Nardone, Paul Tuckwood, and Belinda Brown for their individual efforts.
Leadership Praises the Crew
Local leadership was quick to share their pride in the volunteers. Acting Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Acting Chair Julie Talty praised the team for their outstanding efforts in keeping residents safe when natural disasters strike. She pointed out that the local coast area is home to one of the hardest working and most highly awarded emergency response units in all of Queensland, adding that it was wonderful to see them honoured directly by their peers.
Supporting the Community in Every Way
The award-winning volunteers take on a wide variety of roles to keep their neighbours safe. While many people know them for their frontline work like repairing storm-damaged roofs, clearing fallen trees, conducting flood boat rescues, and running search and rescue operations, their work goes far beyond that. The unit also relies heavily on non-field members who handle vital administration, community education, and operational support tasks. Whether out in the extreme weather or coordinating from a desk, the entire team plays a crucial part in managing local emergencies.
Published Date 11-June-2026
Photo Credit: Redland City Council/ Facebook
