Members of the Stawell SES Unit feature on the front page on the front page of this year’s telephone Yellow and White Pages.
Each year, regional identities are feature on the cover in recognition of the contributions they make to their communities. Under the theme ‘Courageous Australians’, this year Stawell SES Unit was recognised for ‘going above and beyond the call of duty to overcome adversity and help others in their time of need’.
After receiving nominations from community members for the annual honour, Stawell and Pomonal residents Lisa Blight, Leigh Craig, Bill Rouse and Lauren Tickner won selection to appear on the cover of this year's Ballarat directory which is distributed to Ararat, Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Horsham, Nhill and Stawell districts.
Lisa, Leigh, Bill and Lauren together have more than 45 years experience with the Stawell SES Unit, responding to incidents ranging from road accidents to the recovery of injured persons.
During the 2005 New Years Eve bushfire near Stawell, SES volunteers Lisa, Leigh, Bill and Lauren were in transit to help a firefighter who had fallen down a mine shaft when they were notified of a local farmer who had fallen down another mine shaft in the area.
After successfully rescuing the firefighter, the group secured enough equipment to perform the second rescue. The four worked as a team using their vertical rescue skills and experience to safely retrieve the farmer from the shaft. Their courage and skills demonstrated during the potentially fatal situation saved the lives of both the farmer and also the firefighter.
“We are like the countless number of SES volunteers in Australia. You put your life at risk without thinking twice, It's all part of the job,” Lisa said.
The Stawell SES Unit received a Victorian State Emergency Group Commendation for Bravery from the Victorian SES for its multiple rescues during the 2005 bushfire.
White Pages group manager Jane Blackley said the Courageous Australians theme was particularly relevant with many parts of Australia having experienced testing times during the past couple of years.
“We felt Lisa, Leigh, Bill and Lauren are great examples of what it means to be courageous Australians and we are delighted to feature them on the cover of the Ballarat directory,” Ms Blackley said.
Distribution of Ballarat Yellow Pages and White Pages has started and will take about six weeks for the directories to reach all households.