About the Awards
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)
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
Barry Randall
Barry Randall - Victoria Police
Barry Randall is a Victoria Police Sergeant based on the Mornington Peninsula, dedicated to member welfare and mentoring junior officers. In 2021, recognising the mental health challenges facing first responders, Barry founded Operation Soul Surf (OSS), a groundbreaking surf therapy program supporting current and former first responders and military veterans impacted by trauma.Operating under the motto "Healing minds one wave at a time," Operation Soul Surf provides free four-week courses at Point Leo Beach, with 170 participants graduating to date. Barry volunteers his time coordinating sessions, securing tens of thousands in sponsorship dollars, and serving as a surf coach alongside professional instructors. The program has delivered measurable improvements in participants' mental and physical health, reducing sick leave and strengthening personal relationships.Barry has also served as President of the Police Rugby Club (2010-2022), promoting mental and physical wellness through sport. His exceptional community service has earned recognition through the 2022 Outstanding Service to People with Disability Award and the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Shire Community Inspiration Award.
Garry Whitaker
Garry Whitaker - NSW SES
Garry Whitaker has contributed over 53 years of outstanding volunteer service to the NSW State Emergency Service. As Deputy Local Commander of the Hastings Cluster, he supports four Units and provides leadership, coaching, and operational management during floods, storms, and tsunamis. He also plays a key role in m entoring emerging leaders across the region.Garry's "service above self" includes deployments across NSW, Queensland, and internationally—most notably the 2023 Canadian wildfires. He has delivered ceremonial services, state-wide learning projects, and major disaster responses including Cyclone Yasi and the Newcastle Earthquake. His commitment to inter-agency collaboration and training is exemplary.Beyond the SES, Garry has been deeply engaged in community service through Studio ARTES, Laurieton Men’s Shed, and multiple honorary board roles. He has served as Deputy Mayor of Hornsby, supported programs for youth and disability support, and volunteered as a blood donor and community bus driver. Garry also continues to serve in the NSW Rural Fire Service as a firefighter and chainsaw trainer, strengthening community safety across agencies. Highly respected for his compassion, professionalism, and lifelong dedication, Garry is a remarkable nominee for the RESCA, embodying the values of community service and leadership.
2025 Winners