Emergency Services Awards

Ms HUTCHESSON (Waite) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Can the minister inform the house about the 2025 South Australia Emergency Services Awards?

The Hon. R.K. PEARCE (King—Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:05): I would like to thank the member for Waite for her question. I know she is a fierce advocate for emergency services, not only in her local community but beyond, and it was a pleasure to be able to visit the Belair CFS station last Friday to be able to deliver their quick-response vehicle.

I also had the pleasure of being able to attend the Emergency Services Awards since becoming the minister, and I was joined by distinguished guests from across the sector, including the volunteers' association, the United Firefighters Union, the PSA, CFS Foundation and members of the SAFECOM Board.

Since 2001 these awards have celebrated the courage, leadership and commitment of our emergency services. For almost a quarter of a century they have highlighted not only acts of bravery in the moment but also the quiet, steady dedication that defines true service.

The past year has made it clearer than ever that the real strength of South Australia lies within its people. Over in Wilmington, CFS crews faced down devastating fires and protected their community under immense pressure. In Innamincka, SES volunteers responded to severe flooding reaching some of our most remote and isolated residents. Along our coast, Surf Life Saving volunteers once again provided the ever-watchful presence, performing countless patrols and rescues, and I know that this year they are gearing up to do even more to support South Australians.

On our roads, in our hospitals, in our towns and across the water, the MFS, the SA Ambulance Service and Volunteer Marine Rescue have continued their tireless work, responding at all hours in all conditions without hesitation.

But these awards were not about the incidents, they were about the people who were behind them. They were about people like Anthony, who demonstrated compassion and calm authority during the tragic triple fatality on the Nullarbor and in search for the missing surfer, Lance Appleby. Jason Druwitt has given decades of service to the CFS not just as a firefighter but as a young mentor to volunteers and an advocate for mental health.

Shane, whose leadership of his MFS crew in Port Lincoln has extended well beyond the station walls, engaged with his entire community in fire prevention and also preparedness. MFS station officers Sean, Ben, Dom and Ben's calm professionalism during a shark attack response was directly linked to saving a man's life.

SAAS crews in the South-East showed both courage and compassion in responding to a major shooting, not only treating the critically injured but also standing alongside and supporting their colleague in an unimaginably confronting situation. Simon Newell, after more than 40 years of Surf Life Saving, is still patrolling our beaches, training new recruits and leading by example. Finally, Stephen Hancock's lifetime of commitment to Volunteer Marine Rescue has not only saved lives but also shaped the very systems and procedures relied upon across our state.

These are just some of the 32 individuals who were recognised at the awards. Each of their stories were unique, but they share a very common thread: a deep commitment to serving others, often in the most difficult of circumstances. What shines through in every single citation is not just professionalism but also compassion, the way recipients mentor others, strengthen their communities and support their peers. That is the true heart of emergency services: not only stepping up in a crisis but also building resilience each and every day.

On behalf of the South Australian government and on behalf of every South Australian who has been kept safe, supported or comforted by their efforts, I want to again thank every emergency services worker and volunteer for their service, and I congratulate each and every one of the award recipients.