Reception in Support of the Queensland State Emergency Service’s 50th Anniversary

Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Police Service, Mr Christopher Stream APM; Chief Officer, Queensland State Emergency Service, Dr Mark Armstrong CSC, and former Assistant Commissioners, Mr Brian Cox CSC ESM and Mr Peter Jeffrey AM CSC RFD; Chief Officer, Rural Fire Service, Ms Kaylene Jones; Chief Officer, Marine Rescue Queensland, Mr Tony Wulff; SES members; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.   

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here tonight. 

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House this evening to celebrate 50 outstanding years of the Queensland State Emergency Service. 

This dedicated, life-saving response and rescue force emerged from the catastrophic events of 1974—when flood waters inundated the South-East corner—and each year since it has served a crucial role in the protection and safety of individuals in communities across our State. 

Over time, as the floods, storms and cyclones have become more frequent and severe, the SES has become ever more sophisticated—updating its fleet of response vehicles, implementing the use of cutting-edge technology, incorporating comprehensive training, and retiring the dark blue uniform of its precursor—the Civil Defence Organisation—to introduce the reassuring bright orange we know so well today. 

Yet, this evening, the milestone we are honouring is not just about the longevity and development of the SES’s operations. 

Significantly, it is about the stories of the many thousands of SES volunteers and committed staff who have been the lifeblood of its activities for these past fifty years, and who have helped many thousands more of their fellow Queenslanders, and at times travelled interstate, in times of urgent and life-threatening need.  

Across the state2, SES members are always ready to respond to the call for assistance—often at great personal risk—and to help Queenslanders in disaster prevention, preparation and recovery.  

Night and day, in all weather, we see the men and women of the orange army out sandbagging, making temporary repairs after a storm, or attending a road accident. We see them searching for a missing person, rescuing a family stranded by floodwaters, supporting a community event, or providing valuable education and skills sharing.  

From modest beginnings, the SES now has over 5,000 volunteers and a growing number of staff working in the seven Regional Headquarters and the State Headquarters in Nundah.  

Each member offers unique skills and experience and is supported and guided by the professionalism and strategic prowess of the Senior Leadership Team within the QPS structure, and in collaboration with Queensland’s Local Government Authorities. 

In my travels around Queensland, I have been privileged to meet many of these incredible people. And regardless of whether they are in Stanthorpe or Townsville, Biloela or Logan, the volunteers and staff of the SES are unfailingly enthusiastic about the places they call home, their colleagues, and the important work they are doing together.  

I am therefore delighted to see so many proud SES representatives here tonight—some whom have served with loyalty and distinction for many years—and I especially thank those of you who have travelled some distance to be with us for this occasion. 

I also acknowledge the immense contributions of those who have led the organisation in the past, and Dr Mark Armstrong, who with his counterparts in Marine Rescue Queensland, the Rural Fire Service—and all of our other amazing emergency services—is strengthening our state’s ability to deal with challenges. 

In closing, I thank the Supporting and Community Partners whose immense generosity is ensuring the SES can continue its important work. As we look towards an unpredictable future, it is deeply encouraging to know that the SES will be there, ready and willing to help all Queenslanders. Thank you all.