Daniel van Keimpema of Bateau Bay – Emergency Services Medal (ESM)
Daniel van Keimpema has been a dedicated member of VRA Rescue NSW since May 2005 and is currently captain of the Central Coast Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Over the past 19 years he has served with distinction in various frontline roles and several key positions including training officer and deputy captain, always demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public safety and rescue operations.
In each of these roles, he has exhibited exceptional leadership and a deep dedication to enhancing the skills and preparedness of rescue professionals.
His expertise in delivering rescue training and managing operations has been instrumental in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of rescue efforts across the region.
Beyond his significant contributions to training, van Keimpema has provided vital rescue services to the community, playing a crucial role within VRA Rescue NSW.
His commitment to continuous improvement, selflessness and dedication to public service has left an indelible mark on the rescue community, improving operational capabilities and saving countless lives.
Throughout his career, van Keimpema’s tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the safety and wellbeing of the community.
His service during challenging rescue situations and his leadership within the organisation have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the community alike.
His commitment to the highest ideals of the rescue profession serves as an inspiration to all.
Ellen Majella Davies of Green Point – Ambulance Service Medal
Superintendent Davies joined NSW Ambulance in 1987 and during her career has provided emergency care to thousands of patients, led large-scale health projects, provided critical support to NSW Ambulance and its staff during significant natural disaster and epidemic events.
She has worked in a range of operational and frontline roles and locations including as a paramedic, an advanced life support paramedic, a station manager, an operations co-ordinator, a duty operations manager, an eRostering implementation project manager, an executive staff officer, an influenza vaccination immuniser, a health relationship manager, a COVID-19 vaccination implementation lead and rostering improvement project lead.
Davies led operational logistics for major incidents such as the 2019-20 NSW bushfires, G20 Summit, Operation Farlow, Operation Hammerhead and the South Australian bushfires.
She led frontline implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program making a significant contribution to the success of the program in a short timeframe during a rapidly evolving, dynamic nationwide event.
She is currently the health relationship manager of the Central Coast North Sydney sector and maintains her ability to respond to emergencies as an advanced life support paramedic.
Jennifer Farrell of Lisarow – Australian Fire Service Medal
Jennifer Farrell’s career in bushfire management began with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1973, and since 2012 she has been with the Matcham-Holgate Rural Fire Service, where she is now deputy captain and brigade president.
Farrell is highly qualified in incident management and firefighting with more than five decades’ experience in complex campaign bushfires, serving as a planning officer for dozens of major fires, and has deployed locally, interstate and internationally in both incident management and firefighting capacities.
Acting as a mentor and trainer in various disciplines, she has also served as Chair of the Central Coast Bush Fire Management Committee for the past four years and as the planning officer for bushfires in the Clarence Valley, Northern Tablelands and Central Coast during the 2019/20 bushfire season.
She has deployed on firefighting strike teams to Singleton, Cooma and Eurobodalla and supported incident management in the ACT.
During the 2023/24 fire season, Farrell was the planning officer for large fires at Coonamble, Narrabri and the Central Coast, as well as joining local and out-of-area firefighting efforts.
Farrell’s capabilities have helped minimise the impact of bushfires on countless communities.