Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott recently announced the finalists for the Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) at a ceremony at Parliament House.

The community-nominated RESCA are the only time all emergency services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.

Finalists are drawn from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Ambulance, and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.

The local finalist are:

With a career spanning more than 38 years, John is an outstanding example of leadership and experience combined. Currently the Captain of Nowra he was integral to Nowra's response to major bushfire emergencies, including the unprecedented 2019-20 bushfires on the South Coast. John's commitment to serving others also extends to working closely with local indigenous community members.

Captain Dun recently received an Australian Fire Service Medal in this year's Australia Day Honours and was recognised by the Governor-General of Australia and NSW Governor in a ceremony in May.

The greatest reward for Marine Rescue NSW volunteers comes from launching rescue operations to save individuals at risk and return them to safety. Recording and promoting the positive value to be gained from saving lives and giving back to the community serves a powerful motivator, inspiring existing volunteers to continue turning out in cold, dark and unfavourable conditions and drawing new members to the organisation. William (Pat) Welch has been a member of Marine Rescue Shoalhaven for 22 years, initially serving as a radio operator involved in numerous rescue operations, he now keeps the record, photographing and otherwise recording the unit members' activities. Pat prints the unit's annual Marine Guide and for the past 15 years has been member of the Culburra Beach Progress Association, putting out its Culburra Beach Bugle magazine, helping as always to let others know.

James Connolly retired several years ago as a school principal and committed himself to surf lifesaving, which had occupied his spare time for what is now 59 years. The wisdom he developed counselling and resolving student was carried over into the affairs of the lifesaving movement where, though fulfilling many roles, he was particularly valued for his judgement. Now Deputy South Coast Branch President of the SLSA, and himself based at Sussex Inlet, he has trained and assessed volunteers and has acted as Chair of the Branch Judiciary and Appeals Panel, to ensure equality and fairness among the branch's 3,600 member, ensuring efficient problem-solving in a volatile environment.

John Ashton learnt about facing critical situations as a serviceman with the Royal Australian Navy, which included the Vietnam theatre of operations. He joined the Rural Fire Service 43 years ago, and the Tabourie Rural Fire Brigade on the south coast four years later. in 1995 he was elected Group Captain within the Shoalhaven region, responsible for five fire brigades. He has also been involved in firefighting across the state and in Victoria, earning himself the Australian Fire Service Medal. John has not forgotten his former calling either, committing himself from 2006 to the cause of Legacy, continuing to care for the widows of servicemen.

Sandra Zigra is fully occupied just about all the time. A JP for 30 years, a one-time medical bus driver of eight years' standing, and member of a ukulele group performing at retirement homes, she has also dedicated herself as Operations Coordinator of the SES Unit at St Georges' Basin, NSW South Coast. Sandra, generous in the hours she has worked, has been exemplary in appearance conduct, met and assisted new members and contributed many hours to SES operational duties and training. Also a member of the Rural Fire Service Communications Brigade, Sandra has in whatever time she has left assisted local Men's Shed in promotion and grant applications. Sandra is a recipient of the NSW SES 5 and 10 Year Long Service Awards and the NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation.

Meanwhile, Mr Elliott said the awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light upon the enormous contribution of emergency services workers and volunteers who put themselves in harm's way to protect the community.

"This is an appropriate time to pause, reflect and congratulate our emergency services workers and volunteers for their incredible contributions to our state - whether it be a disaster, fire or accident, our community owes them a great deal of gratitude," Mr Elliott said.

"This year we received a record number of nominations. The finalists have more than 600 years of combined service and I thank them all for their exemplary community service."

The RESCA awards also supports and funds two important Rotary initiatives:

Winners for each service, plus two special overall winners, and the young volunteer will be announced on Saturday August 14 2021.

The overall winners for NSW will then represent the state at the National Awards to be held later this year.