Emergency Services Community Awards
The Emergency Service Community Awards are designed to recognise our emergency service personnel who have reflected the Rotary motto of “Service above Self”
National Patron
Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Select Your State or Region below for further information
Nominations
Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) ask the Community to help us recognise outstanding Community Service performed by paid and volunteer members of Emergency Service Agencies through the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA)
Rotary is seeking the unsung heroes in your communities that are often the quiet achievers, never asking for recognition but making a significant difference in your community.
Emergency Service Personnel can be nominated by colleague, family and any members of the community. Panels of independent judges will then assess nominees on three (3) key criteria:
- Community service over and above the call of normal duties which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. community involvement when they are not working in their normal roles).
- Personal attributes
- Contribution to their organisation
Nominations when open are submitted by selecting the nomination button below
NOMINATIONS for 2025 open on 1st March
Services
Emergency Services
NSW
VIC
ACT
Current Winners
2024 National winners
To view winners from each state select the State above
Photos from 2024 ceremony at Government House Canberra - click here
Winner - Volunteer capacity
Gary Luxford - Country Fire Authority (Tooradin)Gary is recognised as an esteemed volunteer with 56 years of service at the Tooradin Country Fire Authority (CFA).Beginning his journey at CFA at 18, Gary has held pivotal roles including Captain of the Warneet Fire Brigade for a decade and Group Captain of the Cranbourne Fire Brigades for another ten years. His commitment extended to rebuilding communities post-disaster, notably after the Bunyip/Garfield fires, where he assisted with debris clearance and reconstruction efforts.Beyond firefighting, Gary's impact spans diverse community roles—he is a Justice of the Peace, overseeing the Cranbourne Signing Centre, and has been a devoted Rotarian for 26 years, serving as club president twice. His initiatives include innovative fundraising projects like a scrap metal program benefiting local causes.Gary's contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including life memberships and national medals from CFA, highlighting his selfless service ethos. A compassionate listener and mentor, Gary remains a steadfast pillar, offering ongoing support to those in need, exemplifying his motto of "Serving above Self
Winner paid capacity
Sashi Vagadia - Victoria Police Public Order Response Team (PORT)With a background in the UK Metropolitan Police as a Detective Inspector, Sashi joined Victoria Police in 2017, bringing with him a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. He established the 'Baton Challenge' initiative at the Victoria Police Academy, raising over $10,000 for Victoria Police Legacy (VPL) and enhancing awareness among recruits.Sashi volunteers extensively, notably organising the Lara RSL 24hr 96km Kokoda Memorial Challenge, raising $50,000 for Soldier On and increasing RSL membership significantly.He also supports the Victoria Police Legacy Children's Retreat and serves as an Ambassador for VPL.Sashi's dedication extends to promoting mental health and wellbeing within the police force, fostering a supportive environment through initiatives like 'Canines & Coffee' with Police Veterans Victoria. His selfless contributions exemplify his commitment to community, mentorship, and leadership in Victoria Police..
Australian Rotary Health
PhD Research Scholarship into Mental Health in Emergency Services Workers
Emergency Service officers are regularly exposed to traumatic events, which they can repeatedly re-experience through nightmares or flashbacks. It is estimated that 10 per cent of current emergency service workers have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The first set of national guidelines for the treatment and diagnosis of PTSD in frontline emergency service workers was recently released by a group of Australian clinicians and researchers. The guidelines explore how to treat PTSD in emergency workers and reduce symptoms, as well as the best ways to ensure the person can be transitioned back to work.
To complement these initiatives, Australian Rotary Health has announced it will be co-funding with Rotary Districts (funding provided by RESCA), a Funding Partner PhD Scholarship for research into mental health in emergency services.
Further research will look at in-depth ways to alleviate the mental health burden on our emergency services.
Latest information on PhD sholarship can be found here
More information about Australian Rotary Health
PO Box 3455
Parramatta, NSW 2124
Phone: 02 8837 1900
Contact us
If you need further information regarding the National Emergency Services Awards please fill in the contact form - For further information on specific states please select the state at top of page