40 years of SES service comes to

from The Northern Rivers Times News Edition 230

WEATHER FORECAST

SAMANTHA ELLEY

There were mixed feelings at the Ballina SES unit last week when Inspector Gerry Burnage, Unit Commander announced his retirement after 40 years.

“Throughout his remarkable career, Gerry has been a pillar of strength and resilience, consistently demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Scott McLennan, Superintendent – Deputy Zone Commander.

“His expertise in General Land Rescue, Road Crash Rescue, Flood Rescue, and Incident Management Team (IMT) operations has been invaluable.

The list of awards Gerry has received over a 40-year career are numerous and an example of his

An End

exemplary service.

The awards include:

• The Emergency Services Medal

• The National Medal

• The National Emergency Medal for Tropical Cyclone Debbie

• NSW SES Life Membership

• The Commissioner’s Appreciation Certifcate

• The Commissioner’s Certifcate for Consistently High Level of Response

• The Premier’s Bush Fire Emergency Citation Gerry was also a fnalist in the Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards in 2020.

Contributed

The Labor Party strikes again, this time it’s Richmond Waste, who has lost its contract with our local hospitals. Richmond Waste had been providing services to the local health district for over 40 years and has now lost the contract.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said this follows their shameful treatment of Norco and Hutley Bros. Butchery in South Lismore.

“Labor has made their priorities crystal clear: the city over our regional communities. We need to vote them out,” Mr Hogan said.

“Previously, businesses

When there is a weather event the SES needs to attend, Gerry’s skills and energy are there.

He was on the ground when the Lennox Head tornado hit in 2010, he attended all the North Coast foods, many local storm events and major road accidents as well.

“We extend our deepest appreciation for (Gerry’s) tireless service and leadership,” said Supt McLennan.

“His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of volunteers. We wish Gerry all the best in his well-deserved retirement and future endeavours.” could tender for contracts that would cover just our local health area. But now they are expected to service a much larger area of the State. This is only possible for large multi nationals. That means the Labor Government is giving the contracts to large multinational companies over our local businesses. Shame on them.

“These accolades are a testament to Gerry’s exceptional skills, dedication, and the high regard in which he is held by his peers and the community,” said Supt McLennan.

Gerry will hand over his command of the Ballina Unit to chief Inspector John Brown (Local Commander).

“Labor has no reality on how the regions work. Our community proudly supports locals, and this Government is the complete opposite.”

“Every decision they make is another kick in the guts to our community, proving that Labor’s citycentric machine doesn’t have a clue about life in the regions.”