The list is highlighted by several people based in the Milton/Ulladulla region, along with several other highly respected Shoalhaven representatives.

RESCA is a community-nominated awards and is the only time all Emergency Services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.

Mr Elliott said the awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light upon the enormous contribution of emergency services workers.

"The past year has been an exceptionally challenging one for our community, and this is an appropriate time to pause, reflect and congratulate the individual emergency services for the service that they have provided," Mr Elliot said.

Winners for each service, plus two special overall winners, and the young volunteer will be announced at an awards presentation on Friday October 30.

The overall winners for NSW will then represent the state at the National Awards to be held on November 23 2020, hosted by Joint Patrons, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Mrs Linda Hurley.

The local finalists are:

Marine Rescue NSW Finalists

ALLAN BROOK - MR Coxswain/Trainer/MR Radio Operator - Ulladulla

When Allan Brook was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, he was given only two months to live. Driven by his faith and will to survive, not only has Allan defied that prognosis, he has continued to serve as an enthusiastic member of Marine Rescue Ulladulla. Allan has taken part in 72 rescue missions in eight years, including 18 after his diagnosis. One drew international attention when Allan and Unit Commander David Hall evacuated a family who had sought refuge from the Currowan inferno on the Bawley Point beachfront on December 5. After transporting water, food and medical supplies to firefighters, they transferred three girls and two boys, aged between six and 14, to safety. Allan worked tirelessly, unloading the supplies, pushing the boat out through the breakers and safely loading the children and their mother on board, regaling them with stories to distract from their seasickness and stress. Allan is always cheerful and supportive of others, including his fellow Milton Baptist Church members, cancer sufferers and volunteers.

DANIELLE CARTER - Fund Raising Coordinator - Shoalhaven

Danielle Carter is a fundraising coordinator with Marine Rescue Shoalhaven. Since joining the unit 15 years ago, she has served as a radio operator, vessel crew member and on the unit executive, as well as undertaking many administrative and fundraising tasks, including organising raffles and raising donations. Danielle is the coordinator of the annual Emergency Services Open Day, bringing together numerous services to showcase their skill and services to the local community. Danielle has been an adult volunteer with Australian Navy Cadets, operating from HMAS Albatross, Nowra, since 2014 and is currently a Chief Petty Officer. She commits more than 60 days a year, including most Saturdays, a weekend a month and two one-week blocks a year, working as a Cadet Instructor for up to 50 cadets from 12 to 18 years. In the past year she has undertaken Youth Mental Health First Aid, Leadership and Management and Power Boat Instructor training. She is recognised as a weapons and power boat instructor and safety boat operator.

NSW Ambulance Finalists

MATTHEW POTTER - Team Leader - Milton / Ulladulla

Last summer's bushfires brought out the best in emergency workers. Matthew Potter, a paramedic based at Ulladulla, was one of those. When bushfires struck the Shoalhaven, he became Forward Commander in the NSW Ambulance response, working 20-hour days for an extended period, moving with the RFS control centres. Isolated people in the area, after having endured a truly horrendous inferno, did not feel quite as vulnerable with continued support such as Mathew provided. Having attended care accidents, he has also provided driver education for local high school students. Matthew has educated students with a drugs and alcohol program and consistently goes out of his way to help the elderly and people at risk.

NSW Rural Fire Service - Finalists

WENDY ROBERTS - Volunteer - Shoalhaven

Longevity in emergency services is commendable, but Wendy Roberts, having chalked up 58 years, might have set a record. A volunteer with the NSW Rural fire Service, based at Vincentia, south coast, Wendy has helped with welfare, logistics and fundraising and has attended many fire incidents. A mother and grandmother, she has been a member of the Erowal Bay Brigade, now amalgamated to form the Crossroads Brigade. She has also devoted herself to the Jervis Bay Lions Club (38 years), Girl Guides, Camp Quality, Meals on Wheels and helped many residents with welfare needs. She has helped people with disabilities, and delivered meals to the socially isolated. In her remaining time, she has worked for the local "Litter Busters" to clean up the environment.

VELMA WALKER AFSM - Clerical and administrative duties in the District Office - Shoalhaven

Velma Walker, for 29 years a volunteer assisting the NSW Rural Fire Service, is one of the legion of women, who form the bedrock of the emergency services, often as in her case working in paid employment and looking after a family. Active in service clubs and in choral activities, where she also gained prominence, Velma has helped in fundraising and running community events. Based on the south coast, she has been a secretary and treasurer in the Country Women's Association (CWA) and helped at the CWA stall at the Royal Easter Show. In the years that her late husband was an ambulance Superintendent, she served with the Women's Auxiliary and on many occasions, she helped care for children whose parents were in emergency situations.