Mrs PHILLIPS (Gilmore) (13:39): Our Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service volunteers and personnel do the most amazing work in our community every day. In regional and rural communities like ours, our dedicated SES and RFS workers provide a service that you cannot put a price on. They keep our families safe in times of need and crisis, they protect us from natural disasters big and small, and they come to our aid when we call.

Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending the 2019 Shoalhaven Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service medal presentation and volunteer recognition dinner in North Nowra. I was proud to have the opportunity to say thank you to these volunteers for the work they do and present national medals, long-service medals and clasps to some very worthy recipients. Medals and clasps were presented in recognition of years of diligent service, as well as for those who go above and beyond for the benefit of our community. Amazingly, the recipients represented over 1,000 years of combined service, a gigantic effort and worthy of celebration. 'Thank you' hardly seems enough for the work you do. Thank you to Shoalhaven City Council for hosting such a terrific event. I also want to again thank all the amazing RFS and SES volunteers for everything they do for our community.