News

The heroics of saving a mother and daughter from a submerged vehicle in floodwater has earnt NSW SES retired Ballina Unit Volunteer Christopher Priester, a Commissioner’s Commendation of Courage.

Mr Priester was honoured for his courageous actions during a flood rescue operation in the Northern Rivers, where he and Ezekiel Knight worked in treacherous conditions to save two females trapped in a small car.

Recalling the harrowing rescue, Mr Priester described the dangerous conditions he faced that night.

“It was nighttime—it was pouring down. We arrived at the location, and there was a lot of water over the road, with large debris, including trees, floating down the waterway,” he said.

Despite the extreme conditions, Mr Priester’s quick thinking and teamwork were vital to the rescue. Mr’s Priester’s team rescued the daughter, while he managed to free the mother from the vehicle.

“The mother wasn’t able to free herself through the window, so I forced the passenger door open against the fast-flowing water and offered my hand. She took it, and we linked arms wading through the water.”

A total of 40 NSW SES members were honoured during the North Eastern Zone Awards ceremony. NSW SES Coffs Harbour City Unit Volunteer Geoffrey Haycraft was also among those honoured.
He was presented with NSW SES Life Member Award in recognition of his outstanding 23 years of service.

Mr Haycraft is well-known in his unit for his heartfelt poetry, often writing verses about his fellow volunteers and the shared experiences of being part of the SES family. One of his poems, titled ‘Orange Medicine’, reflects on the emotional support his team provides him.

“If I come in feeling a bit down, the people in my Unit always bring me up. There are many delightful people here who are instrumental in removing my frown,” he said.

Reflecting on his long tenure with the SES, Mr Haycraft said he was proud of his volunteering.

“I feel like I’ve done my bit for the community. I’ve been at some tough jobs—road crash rescues, especially—where you never forget the heartbreaking moments, like the primal scream from a mother whose daughter was in a terrible accident.”

Mr Haycraft also contributes to his Unit by making fittings for vehicles and furniture for storing chainsaws. Because of his efforts, the Coffs Harbour City Unit now have personal lockers and training aids.

NSW SES North Eastern Zone Commander, Gregory Swindells, praised the volunteers for their dedication.

“Many of our volunteers have travelled away from their homes and families to support communities during catastrophic events like floods and bushfires. Their tireless work—whether it’s doorknocking, clearing roads, or working through the night—has been nothing short of exceptional. The courage and service of these volunteers continue to inspire us all.”

This special evening celebrated the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers who put their lives on the line to protect the safety and wellbeing of local communities during times of crisis.

Pictured: Christopher Priest and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin