SES leader recognised with Ray Grace Award for service

From left Sean Saunders, Cheryl Jeynes, Steven Marshall and Hayley Saunders. 

A young Woombye SES volunteer who joined the organisation while still at school has been recognised for his growing contribution to the community with the Community Bank Woombye Ray Grace Award.

Sean Saunders was presented with the award by bank representatives during National Volunteer Week, recognising his service with the Woombye State Emergency Service group and his progression into a leadership role.

The award carries a $1000 prize, comprising $750 for Mr Saunders and $250 to be donated to a charity of his choice.

Community Bank board chair Steven Marshall said the award honoured the memory of Ray Grace, a key driving force behind the establishment of the community bank in Woombye.

Mr Marshall said Mr Grace had played a significant role in raising support for the bank before it opened in 2009 and remained actively involved in community initiatives in later years.

“He was a real driver for community things,” Mr Marshall said.

Following Mr Grace’s death, the bank established the award to recognise young people who make a meaningful contribution to the Woombye community. Initially linked to Woombye State School, the award was later expanded to acknowledge young people contributing more broadly.

Mr Saunders said he had not known he was in contention until being told the week before the presentation that he had been nominated.

He joined the SES in 2022, shortly after COVID, looking for something worthwhile to do while he was at school.

“I was in school, I was a bit bored. So I came along to help out, but I’ve stayed on,” Mr Saunders said.

Four years later, he has progressed from joining as a member to becoming group leader of the Woombye SES group.

“I’m now group leader, which is a little bit of a jump from just being a member, but it’s been really enjoyable and I’ve met lots of people who are now friends outside of this as well,” he said.

Mr Saunders said volunteering had also given him the opportunity to assist communities outside the local area, including deployments to Townsville and Bundaberg earlier this year.

“It’s good to travel around and see Australia a bit, but also help out as well,” he said.

While SES work could involve difficult conditions, including operating in rain, wind and slippery conditions, Mr Saunders said the opportunity to assist others was what kept him involved. “It’s good to help out the community,” he said.

Mr Marshall thanked Mr Saunders and the SES for their contribution, saying the timing of the presentation during National Volunteer Week made the recognition especially fitting.