The Rotary Club of Canberra today launched its Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) for 2022, and the public can nominate emergency services personnel, police officers, volunteers, and support workers.

The awards recognise emergency service personnel who went above and beyond their call of duty.

Rotary’s motto was ‘Service above Self’, said Dr Michael Moore AM, acting governor of the Rotary district that covers the ACT and southern NSW.

“We look around at people who work in the emergency services and police, and it’s clear to us that you people put service above self, and it happens again and again,” Dr Moore said.

“Rotary decided to make sure that was recognised publicly, because when people put others before themselves, we simply get a better community.”

Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services, encouraged the public to nominate deserving award recipients.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for our police and emergency services,” he said. “They’ve done an extraordinary job for Canberrans, right through bushfires, hailstorms, and, of course, COVID.”

The awards consider a person’s commitment to the community, both in their roles, and their contributions in their own time.

“Emergency services personnel give so much of themselves and ask so little in return,” Mr Gentleman said.

Wayne Phillips, the ACT Emergency Services Agency’s new assistant commissioner, said he had already seen the emergency services’ “dedication, commitment, and compassion” in his short time.

The Rotary awards had been held for 50 years, but this was the first time the police were included.

Neil Gaughan, ACT Policing Chief Police Officer, thanked the ACT Rotary Club for including his staff and volunteers in the awards.

“While ACT Policing always works in partnership with other emergency service responders, I look forward to the ACT Rotary Club recognising police officers who constantly go above and beyond for the community.

“I am confident there will be strong nominations of officers who selflessly serve the Canberra community both on and off duty.”

To nominate, or for more information, go to www.rotaryescawards.org.au. ACT Fire and Rescue, ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Rural Fire Service, ACT Policing personnel, in either a paid or a volunteer capacity, and all support staff, can be nominated.