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After continued service with the SES and VRA, and to the communities of Deniliquin and Conargo, local man Wes Follett has been recognised for his volunteer work.

Mr Follett received his first clasp honour, which is awarded to holders of the National Medal following an additional 10 years of service.

Deniliquin State Emergency Service (SES) controller Andrew Hillman had the honour of introducing the award and its recipient at the Australia Day ceremony last week.

Mr Hillman said it was a privilege to work alongside Wes as part of the Deniliquin-Conargo SES Unit.

‘‘The Deniliquin-Conargo SES was formed in 1958 and the first local controller was the then Mayor HG Campbell,’’ Mr Hillman said.

‘‘It is a small group of volunteers who give their time to assist the community in times of crisis.

‘‘The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised organisations that protect life and property at some risk to themselves whilst helping the community in times of crisis.’’

Mr Hillman said Australia Day was an ideal opportunity to recognise Wes’ distinguished service.

Mr Follett started with the SES in 1988 and then with the Volunteer Rescue Association in 1990.

‘‘I received the original National Medal about ten years ago,’’ Mr Follett said.

‘‘The National Medal is awarded for coverage through all services, in general recognition.

‘‘We all do it, whether it be 25 or 30 years service as a secretary, (volunteering) is something you just do.’’

Mr Follett has been involved in numerous operations, some dangerous and some not.

‘‘We went to the Gold Coast, Taree, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide to attend the Formula One boat racing (with the VRA).

‘‘It’s a great group to work with. It’s about 20 people now, but back in the day it used to be about three or four.

‘‘We get about 12 to 14 people to attend to a call-out, which is great,’’ he said.