Honouring Holly Parsons: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Holly Parsons name written among many others on the National Emergency Services Memorial honour roll. Sprigs of rosemary down the left.

Former Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer Holly Parsons has been added to the National Emergency Service Memorial in Canberra today, Friday 8 May 2026, with 19 other emergency service members who have died in the line of duty. This recognition ensures Holly’s selfless service and dedication to her community will be remembered for generations to come.

Holly was a valued member of the SES, serving with the Toowoomba SES Group from 2011 to 2013 and the Clifton SES Group from 2013 until her tragic passing in August 2014. She died in a car crash while returning home from volunteering with her SES group at the Historic Leyburn Sprints, a loss deeply felt by her family, friends, students and SES colleagues.

The nomination for Holly’s inclusion on these honour rolls was initiated by Clifton SES Group Leader, Ben Reedman, who worked closely with Acting Area Controller Emily Higgins and Holly’s family to ensure her legacy was formally acknowledged. Their efforts culminated in the approval of Holly’s name being added to the Honour Wall at the National Emergency Service Memorial in 2026.

Rowen Taylor, Melody Taylor, Emily Higgins and Ben Reedman stand in front of a cream stone art section of the National Emergency Services Memorial.
Holly's sister Melody Taylor (C-L) and her husband Rowen (L) in front of the National Emergency Services Memorial, with Clifton Group Leader Ben Reedman (R) and Acting Area Controller Emily Higgins (C-R), who worked with Holly's family to ensure she was honoured.

Holly’s inclusion was officially unveiled at the National Emergency Service Memorial during the annual commemorative service. This event honours emergency services personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Holly’s sister, Melody Taylor, accepted a medallion from the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, on behalf of the Parsons family. Melody’s husband, and SES representatives Chief Officer Mark Armstrong CSC, Group Leader Ben Reedman and Acting Area Controller Emily Higgins also attended.

A Place of National Remembrance

The National Emergency Service Memorial, located in Canberra, was opened in July 2004 by then Prime Minister John Howard. It stands as a tribute to the thousands of career and volunteer emergency services personnel who have served Australia during incidents and emergencies.

In May 2018, a Memorial Wall was unveiled at the site by The Hon. Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security. The wall displays the names of emergency services personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, honouring their commitment to keeping communities safe.

The Memorial provides a place for families, colleagues, and visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by emergency services personnel. Each year, a commemorative service is held in early May.

Recognising Queensland SES Members

Holly Parsons joins a distinguished group of Queensland SES members whose names are inscribed on the National Emergency Service Memorial and the Queensland SES Honour Roll:

  • Stephen Marshall (1996)
  • Michael Connors (1998)
  • John Lethbridge (2008)
  • Merryl Dray (2022)

These individuals exemplify the courage, dedication, and selflessness that define the SES. Their contributions and sacrifices are a reminder of the vital role played by emergency services personnel in protecting and supporting our communities.

A Legacy of Service

Rowen Taylor, Melody Taylor and Chief Officer Mark Armstrong CSC stand in front of Lake Burly Griffin and the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the National Emergency Services Memorial.
Rowen and Melody Taylor with Queensland SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong CSC

Holly Parsons’ recognition is a significant milestone for her family and the Clifton SES Group, who have cherished her memory for over a decade. For the Clifton SES Group, this moment represents more than just recognition—it offers a sense of closure and an opportunity to collectively honour Holly’s legacy.

Holly also volunteered for the Riding for Disabled, was a renowned wildlife artist and teacher at Clifford Park Special School for fifteen years. Her school honours her memory each year, nominating a senior student who has demonstrated qualities befitting the Holly Parsons Citizenship Award.

Chief Officer Mark Armstrong CSC of the Queensland SES said, “Holly’s dedication to her community and her selfless service embody the very best of what it means to be an SES volunteer. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all to serve with courage, compassion, and commitment.”

The Queensland SES extends its deepest gratitude to Holly’s family, friends, and colleagues for their support in ensuring her contributions are formally recognised.

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White stone art of various emergency service motifs on a wall behind a dark shelf with six floral wreaths.
Wreaths are laid during the annual memorial service each May at the National Emergency Services Memorial

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