The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of two of its dedicated volunteers, Cindel Richardson and John Wallace, who have been awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal. Their recognition comes as part of the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List, acknowledging their distinguished service and unwavering commitment to Queensland communities. 

The Emergency Services Medal recognises individuals who have given exceptional service as members of an Australian emergency service. For Cindel and John, this honour reflects decades of selfless dedication, leadership and resilience. 

Cindel: a leader in training and community preparedness

Cindel, Group Leader of the SES Cleveland Group, has devoted more than 20-years to the Queensland SES. Her journey began during her high school years, driven by a desire to gain life experience and pursue a career in the police service. Over the years, Cindel has grown into a respected leader, pioneering training programs for search and rescue efforts, mentoring future leaders and leading disaster response and community preparedness initiatives. 

Reflecting on her SES journey, Cindel shared, “Initially, it was the thrill of helping people during their most challenging moments that motivated me. Now, as a Group Leader, my motivation has shifted to my orange family. Ensuring my team members receive the support they need and witnessing their growth and development has become a driving force in my service.”

One of the most significant moments for Cindel was serving as an SES Incident Controller during Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015. “This role not only challenged me but also deepened my passion for disaster management and reinforced my commitment to serving others,” she said. 

For Cindel, receiving the Emergency Services Medal is a deeply personal, meaningful honour. “This medal represents the countless hours spent, the bonds I’ve formed with colleagues and the experiences that have shaped my life. It’s a tribute to my orange family. Each of us working tirelessly to make a difference in our communities.” 

Her advice to anyone considering joining the SES: “Embrace the experience wholeheartedly. The training and challenges you face will equip you with invaluable skills, and the friendships you forge will last a lifetime. Volunteering with the SES is about becoming part of a supportive community that shares a common goal of helping others.” 

John: a pillar of leadership in rural and remote Queensland

John, Local Controller of the SES Charleville Group and Area Controller for the Far West Region, has dedicated more than 30-years to the SES. Since joining in 1991, John has played a pivotal role in coordinating volunteer capability, operational readiness and deployments across rural and remote Queensland. His leadership has been instrumental during major disaster responses, including the Charleville floods of 1990 and 1997, the Brisbane floods in 2022, Tropical Cyclone Kirrily in 2024, Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025 and the 2025 Far West Queensland severe flooding event. 

For John, the motivation to serve comes from the people he works alongside and the communities he helps. "Over the years, I’ve been part of countless operations, from flood rescues to storm recoveries. Seeing the relief on someone’s face when help arrives, and knowing you’ve played a part in that moment, is what keeps me going,” he said.  

John’s most enduring memories aren’t tied to a single event, but to the collective resilience of Queenslanders. “Every activation, every storm season, every flood response has shown me the same truth; the real heroes are the Queenslanders who come together when things are at their worst. Their resilience, generosity and instinct to protect one another are what make Queensland so strong.” 

Receiving the Emergency Services Medal is an incredible honour and a deeply humbling experience for John. “This recognition isn’t just about me. It reflects every volunteer I’ve stood besides, every team that has worked through the night and day, and every Queenslanders who has shown resilience in the face of a disaster. This medal represents shared effort, sacrifice and community spirit.” 

John encourages anyone considering joining the SES to take the leap. “You don’t need to be an expert. You just need the willingness to help. The SES will teach you the skills, but the real growth comes from the experiences, the teamwork and the sense of purpose you gain along the way.” 

A legacy of service and leadership

Cindel and John’s stories exemplify the courage, compassion and resilience that define the Queensland SES. Their contributions have not only strengthened the organisation but have also left a lasting impact on the communities they support. 

Acting Chief Officer Danny Baade congratulated the recipients, saying, “Cindel and John’s dedication and service to the Queensland community are truly outstanding. Their commitment to helping others in times of need is an inspiration to us all. On behalf of the SES, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to them both on this well-deserved recognition.”  

As we celebrate their achievements, Cindel and John remind us of the vital role volunteers play in building safer, more resilient communities. Their stories serve as a powerful call to action for others to step forward, join the SES and make a difference.  

For more information on joining the Queensland SES visit the Join us web page.