Keith Lane Award

2015 Award Recipient - Cameron Nolan

The S.A. S.E.S. Volunteers’ Association presented the Keith Lane Award at its annual awards dinner to a most deserving young man, of whom Keith would have been proud.

The Association has presented the award annually for twelve years and is in its fourth year of partnering with the Police Credit Union, who presented $1,000 to the recipient.

The award is presented to a deserving volunteer who, by their very character, reflect the passion and commitment to their unit that Keith Lane demonstrated for so many years at Mitcham, now Metro South unit.

Keith 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 even today. Although the State Emergency service is getting better at promoting what we do, something needs to happen, otherwise we will end up like that company that is no longer here.

Keith just wanted to ensure volunteers had what they needed to get the job done and this is certainly the spirit of our 2015 recipient.

Cameron Nolan joined the SES in August 2011 at Edinburgh Unit and from the start showed great attitude and aptitude.  Within fifteen months he had completed a significant number of courses.

In July last year he took a different tack and obtained the Enterprise Trainer and Assessor Skill Set.  He assumed responsibility for training new members, taking then from Induction, through State Emergency Service Level I Skills to Rescue Operations.  A role in which he has shown great dedication and even conducts additional training evenings for those who miss a regular session or who need some extra skills practice.

Cameron has also taken on an Operations role and is happy to help to run the Operations room for extended periods whenever Edinburgh has a multi-tasking event.  Again a role he has shown great aptitude for.

Whilst this to many may just sound like  a good record and is possibly  what is expected of a dedicated volunteer, what makes it even more worthy of recognition is that Cameron   had an accident on his motor-bike and became a paraplegic in February 2013,  and then spending  several months in therapy in Hampstead House. 

After learning to drive a car with hand controls he re-joined the Unit, and with his positive attitude decided he could best contribute through training and operations. 

Cameron is continually looking to see what other courses he can become a trainer in and, outside of the State Emergency Service, is studying for a university degree, and recently nominated for the reserve pool for the Country Fire Service IMT positions showing his continued determination to help out the community in any way he can.

Cameron was presented with a trophy and the Keith Lane Perpetual Shield by the Chair of the Association Warren Hicks and Nathan Fisher from the Police Credit Union presented him with a cheque for $1,000.

2014 Award Recipients - Chris Tarran and John Lawrence

On Saturday 18 October, at the SASESVA hosted awards night at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the Chair of the SASESVA, Warren Hicks announced the joint recipients for  the  eleventh Keith Lane Award, which is presented to  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 and  his time as Unit Manager,  mentored many volunteers in leadership and what it meant to be a State Emergency Service volunteer.

Keith 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 even today.

He just wanted to ensure volunteers had what they needed to get the job done.

Two  volunteers who epitomise what Keith represented, and who  both took over units  that were struggling to either remain open or needed guidance and direction to turn them around.  And whilst they were  recognised, as one person said the units should also be recognised.

The joint winners of the 2014 Keith Lane Award were: Chris Tarran Unit Manager Cleve and John Lawrence Unit Manager Edinburgh, who will  each receive an individual trophy and shared $1,000 from the sponsor of the award, the Police Credit Union.

2013 Award Recipient - Gavin Tunks

The Chair of the SASESVA, Warren Hicks announced  the  recipient  of the  Keith Lane Award,being the   tenth  year that the Volunteers’ Association has presented this award to some very deserving volunteer who, by their very character, reflect the passion and commitment to their unit that Keith Lane demonstrated for so many years.

Keith once described the State Emergency Service as the quiet achiever 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  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 without 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 2013 recipient, Gavin Tunks,  was nominated by two  members at his unit  and one said: “Without Gavin, I believe the unit would suffer in its operational capacity, where I for one, look to him for his leadership, guidance and knowledge. Over the years he has  been fundamental in the recruitment of Port Augusta SES personnel, with many of his family also members, adding to the cohesion of the unit’s small group”. 

While the second said: “He was responsible for my joining SES. When I first came to investigate, it was his open friendliness and enthusiasm that inspired me to join. I immediately recognised him as a man with a heart of gold. Gavin clearly believes deeply in the role of SES in society, and - as in his private life - he is generous to other people with his time and abilities. He is widely known around Port Augusta as someone who will always willingly lend a hand.”

Gavin  joined  the Port Augusta S.E.S. in 1992, following in the footsteps of his father,  and during this time has successfully fulfilled many roles within the unit (Storeman, Crew Member, Team Leader and Deputy Unit Manager). 

He has  also attended several major deployments:

• the New South Wales Hunter Valley region floods,
• Cyclone Yasi in Queensland;  and
• the Kangaroo Island bushfires here in South Australia. 

Gavin is knowledgeable in all aspect of the service and goes out of his way to pass on this information to other unit members.  He is prepared to spend extra time, helping members with training and preparation for upcoming courses.

He spends considerable time on the maintenance and upkeep of equipment and the running of the depot.  This is reflective of his dedication towards the S.E.S.  He is available 24/7 for discussion of S.E.S. matters of any kind.

Recently Gavin  has suffered from several health issues but continues to persist with his outstanding service to the Port Augusta Unit.  He limits the effect that these issues have on both himself and his ability to contribute to what needs to be done, whether it be administration, maintenance of equipment or operational capacity.

Gavin received a trophy from Warren  trophy and Nathan Fisher, from the Police Credit Union, the sponsor of the award, presented  Gavin with a cheque for $1,000 and the Keith Lane perpetual shield.

2012 - Robert Bowley wins prestigious award

The 2012 Keith Lane Award recipient, Robert Bowley,  was nominated by several members from the Edinburgh State Emergency Service Unit, with each providing insight  into the man and their exceptionally high regard for him.

Affectionately known as "Little Bob", or LB, by his fellow  Unit members, Bob is quiet and unassuming,  but since joining in July 2007, he  is now invaluable to the Unit and has attended many courses and gained many skills.

Bob who  spent time in the Air Force, has qualifications in accountancy and motor mechanics.  An unusual mixture, but for the Edinburgh Unit an extremely beneficial one, as besides being a Team Leader, Bob looks after the stores and carries out a significant amount of equipment maintenance.  Unit Manager John Lawrence said Edinburgh Unit is  literally Bob’s "shed". 

When new equipment needs  to be purchased, Bob willingly investigates the most appropriate model and obtains the quotes.  As the Unit has only one rescue truck, Bob has spent a considerable amount of time using his motor mechanic skills to modify and equip the Unit’s  thirteen year old Land Cruiser so that it can be used as a rescue vehicle rather than just being a people transporter.  The Unit is now able to use it, whilst to a limited extent, for most types of incidents.  It was only through Bob's initiative and drive that this has been able to occur.

Bob enjoys passing on his knowledge and skills to other members of the Unit, particularly the newer and younger members.  He is always willing to help in whatever capacity he can and rarely refuses a request for assistance.  He is a model SES volunteer.  Bob dedication to helping is shown in the extent that he also helps members with jobs outside of SES. 

In the 2011-2012 year Bob attended 53% of all callouts, more than any other member, and then attended the Unit over 300 times throughout the year willingly contributing in excess of an additional  800 hours, which certainly reflects  Bob's dedication and commitment to both the Edinburgh Unit in particular and the SES in general.

As Unit members say, without Bob the Edinburgh Unit would be less skilled, less operational and less efficient. 

Possibly the best way to sum up Bob is in the words of fellow Unit member Lisette Reinke, who said : “ He is the backbone of our Unit. The safety and welfare of the crew is his main concern.  He treats members like they are his family; he is always there for us all day or night.”

Lisette also said: “On a personal level, he will give his ‘SES family’ lifts to the airport, provide advice and assistance to fix and repair cars, babysit dogs while you’re away, drop kids to school when there’s no transport available, take members to hospital when they are unwell and keep them company, help them move house, organise working bees and assist with house maintenance when they can’t afford professionals.  You name it, if he can, once you have joined the Edinburgh Unit, he will put you first.  When crew need someone to talk to, they call Little Bob, day or night. 

His unreserved dedication to the Unit and its members is priceless; it is his life.  Over the years, on many occasions, he is the reason that we have been able to remain online as a functioning Unit when our responding crew numbers were down; he would always tirelessly respond.  He demonstrates total and unwavering commitment to the Unit and is an incredible inspiration and example to all members.  He freely gives his knowledge and encouragement to all. He is a mentor to all. 

Demonstrating quiet, tireless, dedication to the SES, our Unit and its members, and the community, Bob doesn’t ask for, or expect any praise for all that he does, and that is exactly why he is the person that deserves this honour in recognition for the daily life sacrifices that he freely volunteers”.

Bob received a trophy and $1,000 from the Police Credit Union, to be applied to a project of the recipient’s choice. 

The Award is named after the late Keith Lane, and  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, where he served in numerous positions including, Unit Manager, and mentored many volunteers in leadership and what it meant to be a State Emergency Service volunteer.

Keith 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.   He just wanted to ensure volunteers had what they needed to get the job done.

So the award  acknowledges those volunteers within the Service who quietly and without much notice just get the job done. The volunteers no one realises how much they do until they are not there.

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

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.

2007 recipient Peter Larvin, pictured, with Kalya Hughes and Hon Carmel Zollo MLC