The Shoalhaven Emergency Services Community Awards (SESCA) recognise outstanding service by emergency services personnel and volunteers across the Shoalhaven. This page explains the different award categories, who can be nominated in each, and the key eligibility rules you should check before starting a nomination.

Clear categories and criteria help ensure that:

• Outstanding service is recognised fairly and consistently.
• Nominations are directed to the most appropriate category.
• Judges can compare similar contributions and responsibilities.

Use this page together with the How to Nominate guide to make sure your nominee and their achievements are a good fit for SESCA.

Individual awards recognise a single emergency services member whose personal contribution has made a significant, positive difference in the Shoalhaven community.

Typical nominees include:

• Career staff who consistently go above and beyond in their role.
• Volunteer members who contribute exceptional time, skills and leadership.
• Individuals who demonstrate outstanding courage, initiative or innovation in serving the community.

Key eligibility points:

• The nominee must be a current member of an eligible emergency service operating in or serving the Shoalhaven region.
• Service can be in any role or rank (frontline, support, specialist or leadership).
• Both paid (career) and unpaid (volunteer) personnel may be nominated, subject to the specific category used on the nomination form.
• Achievements must primarily relate to service within or for the benefit of the Shoalhaven community.

The following general rules apply across all SESCA award categories, unless a specific category states otherwise.

Who can be nominated

• Nominees must be current members, staff or volunteers of an eligible emergency service or recognised support organisation serving the Shoalhaven region.
• Service may be based inside or outside the Shoalhaven, but the nomination must clearly demonstrate benefit to the Shoalhaven community.
• Both frontline and support roles (for example communications, logistics, training, administration or recovery) are eligible.

Who can nominate

• Nominations are welcomed from colleagues, supervisors, community members, partner organisations and Rotary members.
• Self-nominations are not accepted.
• Members of the judging panel and the organising committee may not be nominated while they are serving in that role.

General conditions

• There is no application fee, and nominations close on the advertised date each year.
• Nominations must be submitted using the official online form described on the How to Nominate page.
• Information provided should be accurate, respectful and capable of being verified.

Guidance for a strong nomination

• Describe clearly how the nominee demonstrates Service Above Self through their commitment, integrity and care for others.
• Explain the impact of their contribution on individuals, their service, and the wider Shoalhaven community.
• Include specific examples, outcomes or evidence (such as improved safety, innovation, leadership or teamwork).
• Focus on recent achievements while also acknowledging sustained service where relevant.