Long-serving SES volunteer Sue Gage honoured after death

A long-serving South Australian SES volunteer has died, with colleagues expressing their shock and sadness at the news.

Sue Gage, a long-serving SES volunteer and former SES staff member, has sadly passed away. Picture: SASES

Tributes are flowing for a long-serving State Emergency Service volunteer who has been described as a “true community leader” after she passed away last week.

Sue Gage, who began her career with the Metro South State Emergency Service Unit in 1997, spent the first 10 years in various leadership roles including Unit Training Coordinator, Cadet Coordinator, and Unit Manager.

Ms Gage then went on to become a State Training Officer before later moving into roles as Regional Operations Officer and District Officer supporting the Mid North region.

On Tuesday, the South Australian SES paid tribute to Ms Gage on social media, saying she dedicated herself to helping others within the organisation, even raising tens of thousands of dollars for cancer.

“Training and mentoring were always at the heart of Sue’s service. She had a real gift for helping people grow,” the post read.

“Anyone who worked with Sue would agree – seeing someone succeed meant the world to her.

SES volunteers during a training drill in the state's south-east.

“Sue also gave back in other ways, including raising over $35,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation as part of the Mid North Emergency Services team.”

Commenting on the SES post tribute for Ms Gage, former colleagues expressed their shock after her passing.

Luke Hounslow paid tribute to Ms Gage, calling her and dedicated leader who he was “proud” to work with.

“A true community leader who will be dearly missed,” he said.

“An asset to not only the SES, but all emergency services in achieving common goals.

“Thank you Sue for the friendship and memories. Although I am saddened to hear this news, I am proud that I was able to walk side by side with an inspirational human.”

Amanda Colliver said Ms Gage was an asset wherever she worked.

“I am feeling shocked and saddened by this news. Sue was an absolute asset wherever she was, whether it be working alongside her or finding common ground in a cheeky discussion about her activities outside of work,” she said.

“I will miss her gentle but firm encouragement and her delight at happily sharing her knowledge and resources.”

The SES said Ms Gage’s service and commitment had been recognised with “many honours”, which included the SES Long Service Medal with Bar, National Medal with Bar, Emergency Services Medal, National Emergency Medal, and SES Life Membership.

“Our thoughts are with her family, the Laura Unit, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside Sue. She made an indelible mark on our organisation and on the many people she supported and inspired,” the SES said

“Vale, Sue Gage. A dedicated member of the SA State Emergency Service family.”