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Nominations are now being sought for the 2012 Keith Lane Award. | List of Recipients |
2011 Colin and Judy Schriever
2010 Peter Cumberworth
2009 Brian McCourt
2008 Keith Smith
2007 Joint recipients:
Stuart Lambert and Peter Larvin
2006 Joint recipients:
Brian Hunter and Laurel Shaw
2005 Graeme Olsen
2004 Ian Bonython
In his time in the State Emergency Service and the S.A. S.E.S. Volunteers’ Association, Keith Lane was always recognised as a great volunteer leader and someone who always went above and beyond the call of duty in the roles he undertook.
The Keith Lane Memorial Award is selected by a committee of three Association representatives and is judged on “outstanding contribution by an individual member.”
The emphasis is not based just on an individual’s skills, but on commitment to their Unit and the SES in general.
Individual nominations are now sought from members, so nominate that colleague who you feel meets the criteria.
To lodge a nomination, we require, a covering letter which includes, your name, address and contact details, together with the name, address, phone number, unit and rank of the person nominated.
On a separate sheet, we need a short statement of approximately 300 - 500 words on why the individual deserves to be considered for the award, plus supporting references or endorsements from other members would be useful.
The winner or winners as has occurred, receive an individual trophy, their name on the perpetual plaque and a cash prize. The award is open to any current serving member of the SES and Association and nominations can be forwarded to:
Keith Lane Award
S.A. S.E.S. Volunteers’ Association
GPO Box 2706, Adelaide 5001
Or emailed to susan@sasesva.org.au
2011 Award Recipients - Colin and Judy Schriever
I come here tonight to announce this year's winner of the Keith Lane Award. This is the eighth year that the Volunteers Association has presented this award to some very deserving volunteers. Who by their very character reflect the passion and commitment to their Unit that Keith Lane demonstrated for so many years.Keith Lane was a long serving member of the Mitcham/Metro South SES unit. He served in numerous positions within the unit eventually becoming the Controller or Unit Manager as the position is now called and a position he held for many a year. During his time as Unit Manager he mentored many volunteers in leadership and what it meant to be a State Emergency Service volunteer.
He was passionate about the Service and the volunteers that made up the service. So much so that when it looked like the Service would no longer be financially supported by the Government he became one of the founding committee members of the Association and lobbied politicians to ensure that the Service would continue.
He once described the State Emergency Service as the quiet achievers of the emergency services, borrowing the saying from a fuel company's advertising campaign. But it was an accurate picture of the SES at the time and of him. He was always doing something for the unit and the SES, whether it was lobbying councils for more funding or talking about the SES to other community groups in an effort to get some financial support.He did these things without much fanfare or recognition; these things did not matter to him. He just wanted to ensure volunteers had what they needed to get the job done.
This is what the award is about, acknowledging those volunteers within the Service who quietly and not much notice just get the job done. The volunteers no one realises how much they do until they are not there. Whatever it may be and whatever their position within the Service, they are our quiet achievers and this award is for them.
The recipient receives a perpetual trophy in honour of Keith, an individual trophy and $1000 to be applied to a project of the recipient's choice.
This year we are recognising not one but two persons for the Keith Lane Award. Colin and Judy Schriever, joined Strathalbyn SES Unit in February 2009, after seeing an advertisement seeking volunteers to join the Mounted Horse Land Search Team that the Strathalbyn Unit was endeavouring to put together. Sadly the horse group did not proceed, but Colin and Judy had caught the SES bug. Neither had much idea of the numerous facets of the State Emergency Service, but they grew to love the camaraderie and enjoyed the variety of taskings that they were deployed to undertake.
Colin and Judy live on a farm at Harrogate, which is an hours drive from Strathalbyn and have attended every training night without miss. They have also provided their property for training days, and it isn't often that members get to play on such steep terrain. They also make sure the crew never goes hungry.
Whilst they are unable to assist in road crash rescue due to their distance, they're always there for all the flooding, storm damage & land search taskings, the latter they have attended 5 in the past financial year.
Over Christmas breaks and other times when crew numbers are low, they have been known to live in their camper at the unit, waiting for any emergencies – even laden with young lambs to bottle feed.
Earlier this year Colin travelled to Queensland after cyclone Yasi bore its brunt. He revelled in the work that he was tasked to, and other members looked up to his enthusiasm.
Colin and Judy have done a lot for the Strathalbyn unit, such as talking on the radio about the benefits of joining the SES, organising crashed vehicles for RCR training, welcoming new crew members, gardening around the unit base & attending Career Expo's for both SAFECOM and our other nearby unit – Murray Bridge. They also organise social activities for crew and their families which helps with the bond between unit members. Christine Phipps who nominated Colin and Judy said: "It has truly been a pleasure to have Colin and Judy join the Strathalbyn SES, as they have been a breath of fresh air and a joy to work with".
2010 Award Recipient - Peter Cumberworth
Approximately four years ago, at the young age of 18, Peter joined his local SES Unit at Enfield. The reason being at this time, the eastern seaboard experienced severe weather and viewing the damage caused by flooding and storm Peter wanted to help.
Since this time, he has attended building impacts, cleared gutters, removed trees, rescued birds, assisted the Police with land/evidence and also body searches. He also became the youngest and possibly fastest promoted officer as Team Leader within the Unit. Although he is the 5th rank in the Unit, he is still lovingly referred to as a “probie”, even though he is highly respected by not only his peers, but the older members of the unit, who are his deputies. It is not often that a 22 year old both leads and supports people twice his age but Peter does so with the humblest of attitudes.
In August 2009, Peter received news that no one would expect for a healthy person. Peter was diagnosed with APML (Leukaemia), being one of the rarest forms. He was immediately rushed to hospital and chemotherapy was commenced immediately, again unusual, but they were unsure as to what was being treated at the time due to his platelets dropping so quickly and to such a dangerously low level. Simply if this had not occurred Peter may well not have been with us this evening.
He then spent days, weeks and even months in hospital really weak due to his reaction to the chemotherapy. Yet still on Wednesday’s he would think of his Unit. He was so physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted that there was concern for him and when a group from his unit dressed in their oranges marched into his room and covered it with orange balloons, stickers and for Peter a SES t-shirt to wear. Nursing staff were amazed at how alive he came asking about jobs and what was going on at the unit.
After two months in hospital, Peter went home, but the treatment still continued daily with his family having to take him to hospital as he had to take his medication intravenously and the chemotherapy also continued.
Peter was determined to get his pic line out, to gain strength and get back to his unit, which he has achieved.
He also recently attended a Leadership Training Course and came back with many ideas for the unit and has established a good network with interstate SES delegates to share ideas.
He has also been able to resume his university studies.
Certainly an inspirational young man.
Peter received the perpetual Keith Lane Shield, a trophy and $1,000 cash from the Hon. Michael Wright Minister for Emergency Services, at a ceremony at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on Hindley where the first life memberships were also presented to SES volunteers.
2009 Award Recipient - Brian McCourt
In announcing Brian McCourt as the 2009 recipient of the Keith Lane Award, the Chairman of the SASESVA, Warren Hicks said: “he is a man who epitomises the ethic of volunteerism and one we are sure Keith would have been proud of.
So much of what needs to be done often goes largely unnoticed, yet things happen. There’s a certain person who is unnoticed and Brian McCourt of Hawker SES Unit is one such person. Brian has assisted a number of North Region units with vehicle fit outs for their road crash rescue tools, has installed UHF and satellite phone car kits and continues to do any other job that needs doing.
A unit has to only ask for help and Brian is there.
All of these so called “Projects” are somehow carried out in Brian’s spare time which he juggles between being self employed and looking after his property, carrying out duties as Hawker Unit Manager, a unit that he has revitalised, and responding to the frequent vehicle accidents and searches for people that manage to misplace themselves in the Flinders Ranges.”
Brian was certainly a worthy recipient of the 2009 Keith Lane award and received his award from His Excellency, while Keith’s son Chris Lane and granddaughter Tammy presented the perpetual shield.
2008 Award Recipient - Keith Smith
Left To Right: Chris Hughes, daughter of the late Keith Lane, the Hon. Michael Wright Minister for Emergency Services and Keith Smith recipient of the 2008 Keith Lane Award.
The 2008 recipient, was Keith Smith, who commenced duties with the Western Adelaide Unit in September 1997. Despite his supposed senior years, (76 years young), Keith fits in well with all Unit members and provides the Unit with a proficient and reliable commitment, while also being a mentor to new recruits. He has the ability to generate whatever is required to ease difficult situations. His ability to adjust and respond to the demands of each situation is a quality few possess. Keith’s assistance is regularly sought and he does so willingly, providing leadership at the annual SES parade, ANZAC Day Parade and the Christmas Pageant. He also supported the Regional Manager, Metro East, organise and run a successful Police and Emergency Service Games in 2004.
A major role of the SES focuses on public perception, often under harsh conditions. The ability to deal with the all in a confident and knowledgeable manner is a necessity. Once again Keith, as the Deputy Unit Manager Western Adelaide has adapted to such demands, and always conducts himself in a professional and credible manner.
As mentioned Keith has been attached to Western Adelaide Unit for the past 11 years and has held the positions of Unit Controller and Deputy Unit Manager during this period. Keith has, and continues to impress with his dedication to the task at hand and his willingness to learn and develop his capabilities resulting in a more effective and efficient service to the community. Keith is a professional and competent officer who is a credit to the service. The assistance and knowledge he provides to the SES is of the highest quality and has been instrumental in making the Western Adelaide Unit what it is today.
With no knowledge that a nomination for the Keith Lane Award would be forthcoming, the Association in August, agreed unanimously to a proposal to present Keith with honorary life membership of the Association in recognition of his outstanding contribution and support. Keith was one of the founding members of the Association and for over ten years has provided support in coordinating the parade. He was Deputy Chair for four years and for three years hosted all Association meetings.
Keith received his award from the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Michael Wright MP, assisted by Keith Lane’s daughter Chris Hughes, who is a SES volunteer herself at Quorn.
Additionally, the Association awarded a second honorary life membership to Noel Hodges, who served for seven years as the first President of the Australian Institute of Emergency Services (South Australia chapter), and was the Emergency Service representative for the Year of the Older Citizen. He was involved in the establishment of both the dog squad and horse search team.
2007 Award Recipients - Peter Larvin/Stuart Lambert
The 2007 Keith Lane Ward was this year announced and presented by Hon Carmel Zollo MLC, Minister for Emergency Services, and was shared by two recipients for their outstanding service to the SES. The recipients received plaques and shared a $1,000. The Minister was assisted by Keith Lane’s grand-daughter Kalya Hughes aged 16, who traveled from Quorn for the occasion.
The recipients were Peter Larvin from Western Adelaide and Stuart Lambert from Barmera.
Both were nominated by their respective units and praised for their encouragement and support of all members and the way they encourage members to utilize their individual skills and abilities.
Peter helped save a man’s live earlier this year, when a man fell into a drain near Keswick Barracks and when the man was sucked along the drain, Peter threw himself on the edge and held on to his hand to ensure he was not pulled further.
Stuart has been actively involved in the planning and implementation of Rescue Road Training and couldn’t be present to receive his award as he was conducting a road rescue training session.
SES Volunteers' Recognised
Four volunteers from the SES received plaques from the Governor for exceptional service at a presentation on Torrens Parade Ground. The plaques were provided by the S.A. S.E.S. Volunteers’ Association.
The recipients were Keith Smith, from Western Unit, Tricia Goodrich from State Headquarters Unit, Merise Adamson from Prospect and Daisy from the Dog Operation Unit.
Award winners Keith Smith and Tricia Goodrich
Keith Smith was one of the founding members of the Volunteers’ Association and was instrumental in both establishing and arranging the annual SES parade. His mentoring role and support reflects both his commitment and Work within the SES, and why he is a much loved member of Western Adelaide Unit.
Tricia Goodrich joined the SES in May 1995 as the inaugural Administration Officer for the newly formed State Headquarters Unit. Tricia had the primary input into the development of the ‘Request For Assistance’ software program used at the State Control Centre for the entering of Incident information, and has continued to expand on this program and train the State Control Centre operators in it’s use.
Award winners Merise Adamson and Daisy
Merise Adamson a Prospect SES Unit Volunteer, has doubled her volunteering time over the past two years to organise and support many SES recruiting and promotional initiatives. Working with the State Headquarters, Merise has helped set up and staff displays at the Royal Show, regional field days and local community shopping centres.
Daisy, the SES’s first rescue dog was two and a half years old when she commenced training with the SES in tracking and air scenting. Her feats are amazing and at six and a half years of age Daisy was diagnosed with cancer, but as a valued volunteer plus her search abilities, undertook a course of chemotherapy and has been in remission ever since. Daisy retired from active search duties at the start of this year and is now one of our well respected pr ladies. She celebrated her thirteenth birthday last Thursday.
