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.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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.
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.
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
More Coverage
Originally published as Townsville teen Micah Graffin receives SES Award for cyclone duties
Garbutt man arrested for 1992 kidnapping
Mount Isa police have arrested a Townsville man over the horrifying abduction of a young woman from a remote stretch of the Flinders Hwy in 1992. Details here.
Anti-dumping advocate calls for harsher penalties for litterers
Waste dumpers should face harsher penalties and more patrols should be in place to prevent illegal dumping, according to a Townsville litter legend who has been working hard to clean up the city since 2019.
‘Heartbroken’: Owners of much-loved Townsville restaurant speak out after fire
The owners of a Townsville institution have spoken out, after their restaurant caught alight on Monday afternoon. WHAT THEY SAID >
Thieves break into Ingham auto store
Police are investigating the robbery of an auto store after thieves used a sledgehammer to break in.
Qld, we’re failing our children – here’s the sad proof
Vulnerable children are being put at risk by Queensland’s “failing” system.
‘First time in winter’: Jennifer Board Memorial Carnival set for new date
The popular Jennifer Board Memorial Football Carnival is back for a fourth year, with food trucks, a big screen, $4 beers, and a new date in winter. Spots are still open for keen soccer players.