Central Coast Local's Among State's Best

Kathy Lakeland from Saratoga/Brisbane Waters RFS and Shane Hughes from Copacabana RFS have been named among the state’s top emergency service workers.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch congratulated both Kathy and Shane on being recognised as a finalist in the 2022 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.

“Our community has faced back-to-back natural disasters and challenging events over the past few years, whether it be drought, bush fires, COVID-19, floods or storms,” Mr Crouch said.

“There seemed to be no respite for our first responders, including Kathy and Shane, but they never stopped working to protect our community.

“There courage and commitment is exactly why we continue to thank them and recognise them for their ongoing service.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said a ceremony to reveal the finalists of the Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards was held in Parliament House on Wednesday.

“Every year these awards honour those who have dedicated their lives to protecting people and property from a range of emergencies, hazards and severe weather events,” Ms Cooke said. 

Finalists have been selected from a range of emergency service agencies, including:

• Fire and Rescue NSW;
• Marine Rescue NSW;
• NSW Ambulance;
• NSW Rural Fire Service;
• NSW State Emergency Service;
• Surf Life Saving NSW; and 
• VRA Recue NSW.

Winners of the Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards will be announced at an awards presentation evening on Saturday, 13 August.

For more information, visit: rotaryESCawards.org.au.