NSW SES Wollongong member, Josh Hurst, has been honoured as the ‘2024 NSW State Emergency Service Young Volunteer of the Year’ during a special presentation at State Parliament.
NSW Premier, Chris Minns presented Mr Hurst with the award, recognising his outstanding service and selfless community contribution.
He had been set to receive his award at NSW State Emergency Service (SES) headquarters in Wollongong on Wednesday 21 May, but was called away to Taree to respond to the Mid-North Coast floods. In Taree, Mr Hurst spent two days assisting with flood evacuations and performing reconnaissance missions by deploying and retrieving vessels for all emergency service agencies.
“I’d like to thank Josh for his tireless dedication to the SES and for selflessly supporting NSW communities,” said Premier Minns.
“It says everything about Josh that his award had to be rescheduled because he was responding to floods.
“Josh’s commitment to serving others and his exceptional leadership skills make him a deserving award recipient.”
Now aged 23, he has been a member of the NSW SES since he was 16, rising to hold several roles including Deputy Unit Commander, Emergency Officer and Volunteer Procurement Officer.
Working as a full-time electrician, Mr Hurst still manages to spend 20 to 40 hours a week volunteering for the SES.
His record of service includes deployments to major incidents including the Eugowra floods in November 2022, where he played a vital role in life-saving flood rescue missions.
“Josh represents the future of the NSW SES. He leads with compassion, courage and commitment, and continually steps up to serve his community,” said NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing.
“His dedication to learning, mentoring others and taking on responsibility at such a young age is truly exceptional. The NSW SES is proud to recognise him as this the 2024 Young Volunteer of the Year.
“Josh is an inspiration to all volunteers. He supports everybody and gives up countless hours to serve his community. His willingness to help in any situation and constantly improve shows what a great role model he is.”
The NSW SES Young Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to a member aged 16–25 who has demonstrated exceptional engagement with training and operational activities.
To join the NSW SES, please visit: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer.
