Tony Montgomery played a key role during the 2019-20 bushfire crisis, deployed to Glen Innes where he worked in the incident management team coordinating logistics. A member of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) The Hills Unit, he also transported Rural Fire Service trucks and equipment across NSW, including near the Queensland border for repairs and maintenance. He was awarded the National Emergency Medal at the unit’s recent annual presentation night.
In a separate recognition, 35 individuals from the unit were awarded the NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation for their efforts during the major floods between 2021 and 2023. The unit was heavily involved in the Wiseman’s Ferry flood response where the volunteers worked for weeks at critical evacuations and rescuing isolated residents.
Awards on the night also included 27 Unit Certificates of Appreciation, a Unit Certificate of Recognition for a new intake Unit Certificates of Commendation for outstanding service, and three five-year long service awards. There was also an Acknowledgement of Unit Commanders, past and present.
The event was attended by local leaders, including Mayor Dr. Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi, and Councillors Mitchell Blue and Tina Cartwright. State MPs Julian Leeser and Ray Williams were also present at the event.
The NSWSES is the combat agency for floods, storms, and tsunamis, comprised of highly skilled and trusted volunteer teams. They provide assistance before, during, and after emergencies. An official spokesperson from The Hills Unit said most incidents involve storm damage, flood rescues, and missing person searches. However, they don’t just respond to incidents in the Hills Shire – in January, three flood rescue operators from the unit were deployed to Eden near the Victorian border, with another two members deployed to support RFS/CFA basecamps during the Victorian bushfires.
Currently, the unit has 177 members, ranging from high school and university students to retirees. All members receive training to perform duties in the field or in incident management, with a roadmap in place to expand the unit and increase training opportunities to serve the community better.
Through recognition nights, training, and ongoing community engagement, The Hills SES continues to build a strong volunteer network, ready to respond whenever and wherever emergencies arise.
Through recognition nights, training, and ongoing community engagement, NSW SES The Hills Unit continues to strengthen its volunteer network, ready to respond to emergencies whenever they arise.
