Three Katherine residents have won Queen's Birthday honours for police, fire and emergency services work.
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Keith Currie, Ron Green and Wayne Stubbs were recognised for their dedication today.
Senior Constable Keith Currie was awarded an Australia Police Medal.
He first joined the NT Police Force in 1978 and, following time in Darwin, served in Alice Springs, Avon Downs, Ali Curung and Tennant Creek.
His ongoing police career took him to Borroloola from 1993 to 1998, before moving to Katherine Police Station. He also undertook relieving duties at many communities within the southern and central areas of the Northern Territory.
He is a recognised part of the Katherine community and was the founding member of the Katherine Crime Scene Unit in 2007.
"He is a dedicated police officer and freely offers his time, and extensive knowledge and advice to newly appointed officers. He provides training on scene preservation and evidence collection recording and through workplace and community engagement practical application pertaining to crime prevention," his award citation reads.
"He also dedicates his free time to supporting the Neighbourhood Watch NT (NHWNT) and Crime Stoppers initiatives. He joined the NHWNT soon after arriving in Katherine in 1999, and has been an influential contributor to implementing the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Program. He is an annual volunteer at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Katherine and engages with local community members regarding crime prevention and awareness. He frequently meets with local stakeholders and business groups to try to improve the safety and security of the community, their livelihoods and assist in property crime reduction.
"Senior Constable Currie is well respected and held in high regard by all officers and members of the NT Police, by Fire and Emergency Services who know and work with him, and by members of the Katherine community."
Wayne Stubbs was awarded an Australian Fire Services Medal.
Mr Stubbs began as a volunteer firefighter with Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services before becoming an auxiliary firefighter assigned to the Katherine Fire Station, where he has served the community for over 13 years.
He has served as auxiliary fire captain for 12 years and continues to advise and mentor all the new volunteer and auxiliary firefighters that join the NTFRS within the Katherine region. He also assists career officers moving to Katherine to transition into the community and is well respected by his peers, colleagues and the broader Katherine community.
"On many occasions as Officer in Charge to incidents, he has managed road crash rescues, structure fires, wildfires and other emergencies both within and out of the Katherine township emergency response areas. He positively contributes at the captain forums conducted in Darwin, with a keen focus on his members' wellbeing and training aspects," his award citation reads.
"He regularly volunteers throughout the Katherine community as was evident at Christmas time, taking the fire truck to an Aboriginal community, dressed as Santa in 40 plus degree heat, handing out gifts and treats to the young children of that community, this completely embodies the true NT spirit of mateship, family, community and supporting one another.
"Mr Stubbs has served the community of Katherine and surrounds with dedication and distinction and he continues to play a significant role in ensuring the safety of the community of the Northern Territory."
Ron Green was awarded an emergency services medal.
Mr Green joined the NT Emergency Services (NTES) Katherine Volunteer Unit as a volunteer in 2005.
Since joining the Katherine Volunteer Unit he has been a fully committed member, completing not only the required courses to maintain and improve his knowledge and skill to respond to emergency situations in the area, but also seeking advanced training whenever possible. He makes himself available for all call outs to assist the public, including at land, air or marine search operations, vertical rescue operations, storm and water damage operations or providing assistance to the other organisations enabling them to provide an effective response to the situation.
"The Katherine Volunteer Unit's ongoing success is a direct result of his drive to seek new members and improve operational capability through training, exercises and operations. His natural leadership qualities are displayed whether teaching new and existing members essential skills, or as a team leader providing support to the community. His professional approach ensures all members are trained to the highest standard," his award citation reads.
"His resourcefulness has ensured that the Unit's equipment is fully maintained and ready for use and he has sourced various grants to purchase extra equipment for the volunteer members to use during operations and training activities. He eagerly engages with local residents, providing advice on the local hazards in the community, for example providing advice on a flood action plan, and informing them about what their local NTES Unit is able to do for them in an emergency situation.
"In January 2019, he was officially declared the Katherine Unit officer and he continues to improve conditions for volunteers and was one of team behind setting up the Northern Territory SES Volunteers Association (NTSESVA), where he is Vice-President. His efforts continue to raise funds for the ongoing support of all NTES volunteers.
"In his 'spare time', he is an auxiliary member of the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, a volunteer member of St John Ambulance, and a member of the Army Military Reserve Unit, NORFORCE. He is often the go between for these various agencies. His networking ability continues to introduce members of the other organisations which ultimately results in better communication and a more professional service to the community.
"Mr Green is an outstanding leader who is fully respected by all members of the NTES Katherine Volunteer Unit, and he continues to serve his community with distinction."
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