RESCA Victoria Awards

All hazards

Risks spanning across multiple hazard types and across the emergency management system.

Biosecurity

Exotic animal and plant disease outbreaks and pest incursions can have significant economic, community and environmental impacts.

Bushfire and other fires

Bushfire and other fires have potential consequences including loss of life and property, and damage to infrastructure and environment.

Climate change

Risks include more days of extreme heat, harsher fire weather, less rainfall and rising sea levels.

Communications disruption

Communications services are crucial in keeping communities safe, connected and informed before, during and after emergencies.

Cyber security and ICT systems failure

Risks relating to the confidentiality, availability, integrity of information and data and disruption of services.

Energy supply disruption

Reliable energy supplies are critical to many social and economic activities.

Flood

Major flood events have occurred in Victoria every 10 to 20 years, with much of the increasing risk created by human settlement.

Hazardous material incident

Potential risks relate to many places where Victoria’s hazardous materials are manufactured, stored, transported, used and disposed.

Heatwave

Heatwaves are considered to be the ‘silent killer’ of extreme weather events and are the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Australia.

Public health emergency

Risks may relate to the delivery of public health services, with impacts on community health and wellbeing and potential for loss of life.

Supply chain disruption

Geopolitical, environmental, economic, societal and infrastructure-related shocks can expose supply chains to wide ranging consequences.

Terrorism and extremism

Attacks carried out by individuals or non-state groups with ideological, political or religious goals can result in loss of life, severe injury and/or material damage.

Water supply disruption

Risks include collection, storage, treatment, delivery, availability and allocation of water for consumption and environmental, recreation and cultural uses.

Workforce and resourcing

Risks may relate to human resource supply and skills to support emergency management operations.

The inaugural Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards were held on Saturday 16 September.

They are community-nominated awards and based on the reputation of the personnel from their local community's viewpoint.

The awards program recognises outstanding community service of paid and volunteer members of Victorian emergency services, and supports Emergency Services Mental Health Research in partnership with Emergency Services Foundation.

Congratulations to the eleven finalists who were nominated by their community and peers.

The 2023 winners are:

Tyson Taylor (Operational Firefighter, FRV) – Rotary Victoria emergency service officer of the year serving in a paid capacity

As an Operational Firefighter with FRV and an Army Officer with nearly 17 years of service, Tyson is a dedicated pillar of his community. He played a pivotal role in harmonising fire services, mentoring in cultural differences and firefighting practices. Tyson's commitment extends to educating through filmed packages for new FRV fire stations.

Tyson is a Volunteer Governor of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, a Veteran Mentor with RSL Victoria, and a researcher with the Emergency Services Foundation. His community contributions include delivering Teddy Bears to kids with cancer, raising funds for Camp Quality and providing aid to the Royal Children's Hospital.

Graham Symons (CFA Omeo) - Rotary Victoria emergency service officer of the year serving in a volunteer capacity

Graham's service spans various roles, including Omeo Fire Brigade member for over 40 years, Captain for over 10 years, and Ambulance Victoria Community Officer for 33 years. Graham has also served on the committees for the Omeo Recreation Reserve, Omeo & District Agricultural & Pastoral Society, Omeo Shire Lions Club and Livingstone Park Development Committee. He has been the RSL organiser for Remembrance services for over 10 years and is the CFA Group Officer and Omeo Fire Brigade Group delegate.

Tyson and Graham will be invited to the National Awards Ceremony event at Government House in Canberra where two National winners will be announced.

Pictured: Kate Fitzgerald (EMV), Tyson Taylor (FRV), Tony Pearce (IGEM) and Graham Symons (CFA)

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