Townsville teen Micah Graffin receives SES Award for cyclone duties

A young SES volunteer who performed critical duties as a 16-year-old during Cyclone Kirrily, and the Charters Towers SES Unit, have both received awards from the Police Commissioner.

Micah Graffin received the Young Member of the Year Award for his work during Cyclone Kirrily as a 16-year-old.

A young SES volunteer who performed critical duties as a 16-year-old during Cyclone Kirrily has received an award from the acting Police Commissioner.

Micah Graffin received the Young Member of the Year Award for his work in January and February 2024 in Townsville.

Also honoured at the SES Regional Award Ceremony on Friday, May 16, was the Charters Towers Unit which received an Operational Response of the Year Award for their tireless work during the Torrens Creek and Pentland bushfires.

Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the awards reflect the deep appreciation the community has for the volunteer’s efforts.

“Their dedication has truly enhanced our ability to respond effectively in disasters and emergencies,” Mr Chelepy said.

The Charters Towers Unit received the Operational Response of the Year award for their work during the Torrens Creek and Pentland bushfires.

Stephen Weise, 69, from Gregory/Lawn Hill (near Burketown) received the Regional Member of the Year Award for his overall distinguished service in 2024.

Nicole Bradley (Townsville) received trainer of the year, and the Burketown Unit received unit/group of the year.

Also recognised was Dori Westwood, Ian Cameron, Ivan Bates, Madison Marshall, and Rose Struber-Carney.

Micah Graffin cuts the cake with life member Jimmy Osborne (Townsville SES).

Life members inducted on the night were: Gio Laguna, Jim Osbourne, John Winn, Murray Withers, and Bob Griffiths.

Winners of the Northern Region awards are automatically nominated for the respective state awards and select winners will travel to Brisbane for the ceremony on 23 August 2025

Originally published as Townsville teen Micah Graffin receives SES Award for cyclone duties