NSW Sweeps Rotary National Emergency Services Community Awards

Last published on 18 Oct 2019 

NSW has swept the inaugural 2019 Rotary National Emergency Services Community Awards, with two of the State’s most dedicated heroes taking out both the officer in paid and volunteer categories.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated all the winners for their distinguished careers, their dedication in responding to major incidents and putting community safety before their own.

The overall winner in the paid category, veteran firefighter Superintendent Anthony (Tony) Waller has won the award after almost four decades of service to NSW.

Currently the Fire and Rescue NSW Illawarra Zone Commander, Superintendent Waller has been involved in a number of major disaster operations, including the 1994 bushfires, the 1999 Sydney hailstorm, and the Christchurch earthquakes.

The overall winner in the volunteer category, Senior Constable Paul Marshall is a member of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association in addition to the Victorian Police at Highway Patrol, Wodonga. He has trained a number of VRA, St John Ambulance, NSW RFS, Police, FRNSW and NSW SES members in Road Crash Rescue.

“It takes a special kind of person to do the jobs these two heroes have done over the course of their careers.They have always put others first and risked their own lives on the frontline when disaster struck,” Mr Elliott said.

“Paid and volunteer emergency services personnel play a crucial role keeping the community safe and these awards are a fantastic way to honour their contribution.”

The Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards is the only time emergency services personnel, paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.

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