Covid-19 restrictions resulted in each unit putting together their own awards and Divisional Superintendent Isabelle Moutia said 18 members were recognised for their service, achievements, life-saving interventions and emergency management support during the 2019/2020 bushfires.
Attended by State MP for Auburn, Lynda Voltz, and St John Deputy Commissioner Ilan Lowbeer, Supt Moutia described the award ceremony as a “highlight of the calendar”.
She said youth members Taylor-Renee Coker, Fawad Faheem and Kelly Ni each received their Grand Prior, the second highest award a youth member in St John Ambulance can attain.
“This prestigious award was made all the more special, as a Grand Prior has not been issued at Granville Division for over 20 years,” she said.
“Bronze Commendations and Certificates of Merit were awarded to Damien Rodgers, Chris Tremelling and Jo-Anne Windsor.”
Ms Windsor was also recognised with a Save-a-Life award for a critical incident in 2019, was one of the eight Granville Combined volunteers to receive a NSW Government citation for supporting evacuation centres during the Black Summer bushfires and one of 10 awarded St John (NSW) Bushfire citations.
Supt Moutia, her husband Didier, and other long-time volunteers Senol Olcer and Wil Goldthorpe, each also received service bars for their continuing service to the community.
ST John Ambulance Granville is a volunteer organisation that meets weekly and attends events across the Cumberland Council area. For more information, contact Isabelle Moutia, 0403 168 870 or Isabelle.moutia@stjohngranville.org.
