Minute With The Mayor | May 6 2025

Council, on Tuesday 29 April 2025, acknowledged and recognised long serving SES volunteer Robert Morris for his unwavering dedication and commitment to the Hinchinbrook State Emergency Service (SES).

It was an honour for me to extend Council’s heartfelt thanks to Robert for his 26 years of voluntary service, an acknowledgement richly deserved. Robert’s journey with the SES began at just 16 years of age when he joined as a Cadet. Under the early guidance of Doug Ladner and later mentored by local controller Rodger Bow, Robert developed into a pillar of the Hinchinbrook unit.

His commitment over the years has seen him respond to countless emergencies, support the local community through cyclones and floods, and help train the next generation of volunteers. The presentation celebrated not only his years of service but also the values of resilience, teamwork and selflessness he continues to embody.

Hinchinbrook is stronger for volunteers like Robert Morris — individuals whose quiet dedication makes a lasting impact.

I would also like to mention that Hinchinbrook SES is looking for new members willing and able to help our community before, during and after emergencies. Every year about 5,000 volunteers support Queensland communities and as we saw during our recent flood event, the help is truly appreciated by community members in need.

So, if you have a desire to help, put that desire to good use and become a SES volunteer, contact Council and we will put you in touch with our local SES personnel. Volunteers perform a diverse range of functions in responding to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies including:

· Storms;

· Floods;

· Cyclones;

· Rescues;

· Transportation incidents (road/rail/air);

· Landslides; and

· Searches for missing persons.

The SES is designed to empower people to help themselves and others in their communities in times of emergency and disaster and will provide you with a truly rewarding experience.