Media Release: CENTURIES OF SERVICE HONOURED AT NSW SES METRO ZONE AWARDS

• More than 300 years of combined service to communities across Sydney was recognised at the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Metro Zone Awards over the weekend. 

• Among the award recipients was NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit Commander, Kevin Jones, who was honoured with Life Membership for his more than 50 years of dedicated service to The Hawkesbury.  

• Inspector Jones was also presented with the prestigious Emergency Services Medal at an Investiture Ceremony held at Government House yesterday, alongside Chief Inspector Juliana (Kathy) Garancsi. 

Editor's note: Photos from the Metro Zone Awards and Investiture Ceremony are available via hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/space/uk8TbN3qyh 

More than 300 years of combined service to communities across Sydney was recognised at the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Metro Zone Awards, celebrating volunteers whose dedication has helped keep people safe through some of the state’s most significant disasters. 

The ceremony, held at Pittwater RSL Club on Saturday 19 September, honoured 30 NSW SES members with National Emergency Medals, National Medals and Claps, long service awards and NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citations. 

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said the awards highlight the remarkable commitment volunteers make to keeping their communities safe. 

“Every award presented represents countless hours of training, response, community engagement and dedication to helping others in times of need,” Assistant Commissioner Malone said. 

“While our volunteers never seek recognition for what they do, it is important we take the time to celebrate their achievements and thank them for their extraordinary service." 

Among the award recipients was NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit Commander, Kevin Jones, who was honoured with Life Membership for his more than 50 years of dedicated service to The Hawkesbury. 

For decades, Inspector Jones has been at the forefront of emergency response in one of Australia's most flood-prone regions, leading the community through some of its most significant flood events. He has also bolstered SES capabilities in The Hawkesbury, leading the formation of the Hawkesbury Unit’s rescue team in 1985, which has since been on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Inspector Jones was also presented with the prestigious Emergency Services Medal at the Investiture Ceremony held at Government House this morning, alongside Chief Inspector Juliana (Kathy) Garancsi. 

Chief Inspector Garancsi has devoted more than 45 years to the communities of NSW, now serving as the Metro Zone Operational Readiness Officer and the Local Commander of the Metro Central Cluster. 

Chief Inspector Garancsi’s service spans many notable events, from the 1997 Thredbo Landslide, the 1999 Sydney Hailstorm, the 2019-2020 Bushfires, the widespread flooding events of 2021-2023 and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025.   

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said Kathy and Kevin are both thoroughly deserving recipients of the Emergency Services Medal. 

“Over decades of dedicated service, they have made a lasting difference to countless people through their leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to helping others,” Commissioner Wassing said. 

“Their resilience, generosity and dedication continue to inspire fellow members and reflect the spirit of service that strengthens our organisation and supports communities when they need us most.” 

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Commissioner Wassing AFSM, Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley, Kevin Jones ESM, Kathy Garancsi ESM

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