From awards night to the frontline of emergency response

JUST hours after receiving one of Rotary’s highest honours for his more than 50 years of dedication, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) member Garry Whitaker was back supporting his community through a significant storm and flooding event.

The NSW SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Local Commander was awarded the 2025 Volunteer Officer of the Year and 2025 NSW State Emergency Service Officer of the Year at the Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) on Saturday, 1 August in Sydney.

In a true demonstration of the Rotary motto “service above self”, Garry was back on the Mid North Coast by Sunday morning to respond to callouts for 120 storm-related jobs over the weekend.

“My job is about communicating with local units and staying ahead of what the local risks are, so we can keep ahead with support and response where required,” said Inspector Whitaker.

Garry has a long history of SES service, starting with the Warringah unit in 1972 where he served for 20 years.

He later transferred to the Sydney Northern Region, then Hornsby and Wyong, before joining the Camden Haven Unit in 2020.

He has seen a lot of active service including incidents such as Cyclone Yasi and the Newcastle earthquake in 1989.

Inspector Whitaker has also deployed to other states and countries with the NSW SES, including to Queensland and the 2023 Canadian wildfires.

Now, as Deputy Local Commander of the Hastings Cluster, he supports four units to provide leadership, coaching, and operational management.

His main aim now is to pass on his experience and skills to the next generation of SES volunteers.

“I think we all learn important things from the people we meet throughout our lives and being able to share my experiences with other people in the SES is really important to me,” he said.

Inspector Whitaker said it was a big surprise and a huge honour to receive the award.

“I work to help my community in times of need, not for notoriety, but it’s nice to be recognised and thanked,” he said.

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said Inspector Whitaker was truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

“Garry has selflessly served with his local community and beyond for more than 53 years, and this award is a testament to his decades of dedication,” Commissioner Wassing said.

The RESCA awards acknowledge and celebrate the community service of personnel agencies including NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and VRA Rescue NSW.

By Bill HARROW