Honouring Exceptional Service – Emergency Services Medal
We can all be extremely proud that Mark Geary, Brett O’Leary, and I, Greg Cook, have been awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, recognising our collective dedication and longstanding service to the SES and to communities across Australia.
Across many years, Mark, Brett, and I have worked alongside countless SES volunteers, responding to a wide range of emergencies. Together, our efforts have spanned severe storms, extensive search operations, and major flooding events,
life-saving rescues and critical fire support activities.
What is often less visible—but equally important—are the hours devoted to our local units: conducting training, offering guidance and direction, mentoring new members, contributing to unit committees, and preparing for the many operational and community activities that define the SES.
I share this acknowledgement with humility. Receiving this award myself is deeply meaningful, and I accept it with sincere gratitude and pride.
February marks the return of weekly training for most SES Units across Western Australia. With the breadth of skills required in our work, training remains essential—it strengthens our knowledge, reinforces teamwork, and ensures we can operate safely and effectively in challenging emergency environments.
It is worth remembering that, in times of danger, most community members move away from harm to protect themselves and their families. The SES, as an emergency service, does the opposite. We move toward danger safely and with purpose to help our communities survive and recover.
The SES Volunteers Association wishes everyone a safe and fulfilling 2026. May many more colleagues be recognised in the years ahead for their outstanding service to the community.
Kind Regards,
Greg Cook ESM, President
