The awards recognise community service above and beyond the call of normal duties.  

While each individual service holds their own internal awards, the Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards are the only awards that recognise all Emergency Services Personnel, both volunteers and paid officers, in a combined awards program. 

The public was invited to submit nominations in any of the six officially recognised State Emergency Service Organisations, which are: Ambulance Service of NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association. 

Ian will be up against the other finalists from NSW Volunteer Rescue Association are: Rodney Coombs (Captain Coonabarabran VRA), Kieran Knuckey (Captain South Coast VRA) and Peter Wachtel - NSW Ski Patrol (Treasurer as per nomination, VRA Specialist Squad), as well as finalists from the other services for the overall award.

 “Rotary is honoured to host such a worthy program to acknowledge and recognise the dedication of our Emergency Services personnel who clearly reflect the spirit of the Rotary motto; Service Above Self,” said Rotary District Governor, Barry Antees.

Finalists were announced recently at NSW's Parliament House by the Minister for Emergency Services, The Hon. David Elliott MP.

“The awards help celebrate the outstanding work performed in the community by emergency services workers on a regular basis,” said Mr Elliot.

 “It takes a special type of person to work for an emergency service organisation, either as a volunteer or staff member.

“It takes someone who is dedicated, selfless, with drive and commitment, and who has the desire to help fellow members of our community,” he said.

Ian became a foundation member of the Lithgow and District VRA when he was 17 years old and has been an active rescue operator since that time, with a length of service of 34 years. 

For the past fifteen years, Ian has taken on the role of Captain of the squad.

The Lithgow and District VRA is a non-profit organisation which has been accredited by the State Rescue Board to provide first response assistance to persons trapped in motor vehicle accidents or other accidents, also to assisting with bush searches and all other incidents when requested to do so by the police. 

VRA members are on calls 24 hours a day seven days a week, no matter what the situation.

During his time with the VRA, Ian has given tens of thousands of volunteer hours training, fundraising, maintaining equipment, as well as management matters. 

Ian will join the other finalists at a gala Awards Dinner to be held at the Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour on Friday August 28 2015 where winners for each service will be announced, culminating with overall winners in both a volunteer officer and a paid officer capacities.