This International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on three extraordinary women who have been awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for their outstanding contributions to the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES). These awards were part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.
Reflecting on the significance of this day, Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong CSC shared, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women in all areas of our community.
“Earlier this year, three remarkable women from the SES were recognised with the Emergency Services Medal. Their dedication, leadership and service to our community are truly inspiring and a testament to the vital role women play in shaping the success of our organisation,” he said.
These women, Amanda from the Nanango SES Group, Jenny from the Petrie SES Group and Danni from the Boonah SES Group, embody the courage, compassion and resilience that define the SES. Their stories are a testament to the power of service and the strength of women in emergency services.
Amanda: a quiet leader with a heart for service
For Amanda, being part of the SES is more than just wearing the orange uniform. It’s a calling. Based in the North Coast Region, Amanda has dedicated countless hours to her community, responding to emergencies, leading search, and recovery operations, and supporting her team through some of the most challenging situations imaginable. Receiving the Emergency Services Medal has been a deeply personal and humbling experience for Amanda.
“It’s a moment of quiet reflection on years of showing up when it mattered, often when it was hard, uncomfortable or unseen. It validates that compassion, leadership and consistency count, even when no one is watching.”
Amanda recalls moments in her SES journey that have left an indelible mark on her. One such moment was during a recovery operation, where the emotional weight of the task was undeniable. “When you’re involved in a recovery, it’s never just a task. It’s someone’s loved one. Our role is to bring professionalism, compassion and dignity to what is often one of the worst days of their lives.”
What gets Amanda through these challenging moments is the unwavering support of her team. “The SES culture of looking after each other is what allows us to keep turning up when the community needs us most,” she says.
Amanda’s advice to women aspiring to make a difference in their communities is simple, yet powerful. “Back yourself and start where you are! Skills can be learnt; confidence grows with experience and your perspective matters. Emergency services need people who can think clearly, communicate well, show compassion and work as part of a team.”
Jenny: a trailblazer in training and leadership
Jenny’s nearly two decades of service with the SES have been defined by her passion for training and her commitment to empowering others. As a trainer for high-risk SES functions, including height safety and chainsaw operations, Jenny has played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and competency of volunteers across Queensland.
Her dedication has taken her across the state, from the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi in Tully to the devastating Bundaberg floods in 2013. She has also supported major events like the G20 Summit and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Each deployment brought unique challenges, but Jenny’s resilience and leadership have always shone through. One moment that stands out in her journey is her role as a team leader during the Daniel Morcombe search. Leading a group of 12 dedicated members, Jenny recalls the pride she felt when her team uncovered a critical piece of evidence.
“It was a surreal moment, and I couldn’t help but think of all the colleagues and mentors who’ve supported me along the way.” For Jenny, the ESM reflects not just her own efforts, but the collective dedication of her team and the unwavering support of her employer and manager. “Without their support, I wouldn’t’ have been able to deploy at short notice or assist my group during severe weather events,” she says.
Jenny’s advice to women aspiring to make a difference in their communities is both encouraging and empowering. “Embrace your unique perspective and build resilience to enhance your community’s safety.”
Danni: a legacy of service and leadership
For Danni, the SES is more than just a volunteer organisation, it’s a family tradition. Growing up in an ‘orange family’, Danni was inspired by her father and grandparents, who served before her. Now, with 20 years of service under her belt, she has passed the torch to her husband and stepdaughters, continuing the legacy of service. Danni‘s journey has been marked by resilience and leadership.
From leading operations during the 2019 Sarabah bushfires to supporting her community during the devastating 2011 floods, her contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. Reflecting on her time with the SES, Danni says, “at its core, the SES is about ordinary people stepping up for their communities in extraordinary moments. It is a privilege to serve alongside dedicated volunteers and staff who quietly make a difference every day.”
Her leadership during major events like the disaster in Ingham and Tropical Cyclone Alfred helped her grow as a leader and foster positive, supportive environments for her teams. Danni’s advice to women aspiring to make a difference is both practical and inspiring. “Step forward, have a go and be willing to try something new. Whatever your strengths or interests, there is a place for you to contribute and make a real impact. Most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something because of who you are.”
A celebration of women in emergency services
For Amanda, Jenny and Danni, the orange uniform is more than just a symbol. It’s a promise to their communities. It represents trust, responsibility and a commitment to serve with integrity and compassion.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this week, these women remind us of the incredible contributions that women make to emergency services. They are leaders, mentors and role models who have paved the way for others to follow.
Dr Armstrong expressed his gratitude and admiration for the ESM recipients and all the women in the SES. “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our ESM recipients and thank them, along with all the women in our organisation, for their resilience, passion and unwavering commitment to making a difference every day.
Their contributions exemplify the strength, leadership and dedication that are at the heart of our organisation. Through their actions, they embody the values of connection, integrity and respect, inspiring us all to continue serving our communities with professionalism, capacity and unity,” he says.
Amanda hopes to see more women stepping into emergency service roles, particularly in rural areas, and being supported to grow into leadership positions. “Stronger diversity leads to stronger teams and better outcomes for the communities we serve,” she says.
Jenny echoes this sentiment, advocating for equal opportunities and leadership for women in emergency services. “Women bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table, and it’s important to create an environment where they feel valued and supported,” she says.
Danni’s hopes for the future of women in emergency services are rooted in equality and opportunity. “My hope is that one day all emergency service personal are treated equally—respect, opportunity and support should be consistent for everyone,” she says.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Amanda, Jenny and Danni for their incredible achievements and their dedication to serving Queensland communities. Their stories inspire us all to step-up, lead with compassion and make a difference.
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