The dedication of some of the state's longest serving frontline workers has been recognised, with members of Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service, Ambulance Tasmania and the State Emergency Service awarded Australia Day honours.
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Ambulance Tasmania
Ambulance Tasmania's acting chief executive Matthew Eastham and volunteer officer Pam Heiermann have been awarded Ambulance Service Medals.
Mr Eastham joined Ambulance Tasmania in 2003, having previously worked as a paramedic in the Northern Territory.
Throughout his Tasmanian career he has served in a range of roles including as an intensive care paramedic, flight paramedic, wilderness rescue, clinical support officer and various leadership and management roles.
In April 2006 he was part of Ambulance Tasmania's response to the Beaconsfield mine collapse, working with a multidisciplinary team of professionals including psychologists and dieticians to provide support for the clinical, psychological wellbeing, health and safety of the trapped miners.
After a stint in the Northern Territory in 2015, he returned to Tasmania in 2019 and has since been appointed as acting chief executive, playing a critical leadership role during the response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state's North-West last year.
Ms Heiermann started her career with Ambulance Tasmania in 2010 at Sorell, and through her role with St John's has worked closely with Ambulance Tasmania in establishing the medical response model for the annual Falls Festival.
She is also a regular volunteer at New Norfolk, logging up to 1200 hours a year of volunteer service.
Tasmania Fire Service
David Oakley first joined the TFS as a volunteer firefighter in 1963, but it didn't take long for his natural leadership to shine through.
Since then he has held the positions of Second Officer and Group Officer.
He has also initiated training programs and has worked to develop the brigade's next generation of officers.
Mr Oakley was among three TFS members awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, along with Somerset Brigade Chief volunteer Robert Dawes and North West Regional Chief Shane Batt.
TFS chief officer Chris Arnol said the distinguished service of each recipient made them worthy of honour and recognition.
"On behalf of the Tasmania Fire Service, I congratulate Regional Chief Shane Batt and Brigade Chief Robert Dawes and Group Officer David Oakley on their awards today," he said.
"I'm so proud of our TFS volunteers. Their dedication and commitment is key to protecting the Tasmanian community so I thank Robert, David and all the men and women who volunteer their time in the Tasmania Fire Service."
Tasmania Police
On the police front, special response and counter-terrorism unit Commander Joanne Stolp and professional standards Senior Sergeant Sally Cottrell have been recognised for their outstanding service with an Australian Police Medal.
Promoted to Commander in January 2019, Ms Stolp joined Tasmania Police in 1996 as a Special Constable while undertaking recruit training.
Since then she has worked in a diverse range of roles, at different ranks and in all districts across Tasmania.
Senior Sergeant Cottrell joined Tasmania Police in 1981 and had remained an operational police officer for almost 40 years, serving in a wide range of uniform, specialist and investigative roles.
Congratulating both recipients, Commissioner Darren Hine said the award of the Australian Police Medal was given careful consideration.
"Commander Stolp has displayed great integrity throughout her 25-year career. She can be proud of her leadership and continuing commitment to the service," he said.
"Senior Sergeant Cottrell is a highly respected investigator with many years of operational experience.
"She has consistently provided outstanding service to the Tasmanian community during her 39 year career.
"Well done to both of them for their excellent achievements."
State Emergency Service
Three Southern members of the State Emergency Service have also been recognised with Australia Day honours.
They are Derwent Valley SES Unit Manager Jason Lawrence, Southern Midlands SES Unit Manager Jason Robins and enior Planning and Education Officer Cheryl Ames.
SES Tasmania director Andrew Lea said the trio's unwavering dedication to their community was commendable.
"Jason Lawrence has been a dedicated member of Tasmania SES for nearly 30 years," Mr Lea said.
"He began as a volunteer in the Derwent Valley SES unit and today, he is now unit manager of his original unit.
"Jason Robins has shown exceptional dedication to emergency services for over 25 years which makes him a worthy recipient of the Emergency Services Medal.
"As an SES volunteer, he was appointed Southern Midlands SES Unit Manager in 2008.
"He is a very experienced member and trainer who has also been a member of the Oatlands Fire Service brigade since 2014.
"Cheryl Ames has been an enthusiastic and dedicated SES Planning and Education officer since 2008.
"She has provided influential leadership to her peers, has acted in the diverse operational role of regional manager and recently was appointed as planning team leader for Tasmania's emergency service response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Her personal drive and commitment to the State Emergency Service has been outstanding."
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
