The ESM is for distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.
It recognises the outstanding service provided by Irene, a Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Rutherglen Unit service which commenced 43 years ago, in 1981 and was the first active female member.
In her 43 years of dedicated service, she has held various roles, including unit controller from 1998 to 2002, deputy controller from 2002 to 2019 and unit controller (again) from 2019 to 2023.
Irene’s roles have consistently involved frontline, hazardous duties, demonstrating her commitment to emergency response and community safety.
She has been instrumental in numerous significant emergency incidents. Irene’s leadership was critical during the 2013 tornado that impacted Main Street, Rutherglen. As the incident controller, she co-ordinated efforts across multiple units, overseeing building damage assessments, tarping, acro-propping and sand-bagging operations.
In 2017, she was the first on the scene at a multi-vehicle collision on Springhurst Road, where she served as a safety officer. Irene managed two separate car rescue operations, coordinating with multiple agencies, including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, and Air Ambulance Victoria, ensuring the safety and effective collaboration of all responders.
In January 2022, following an intense flash flood, Irene managed the Incident Control Point after 50 properties were inundated. She effectively mobilised support from the Rutherglen CFA, Yarrawonga VICSES unit, and Indigo Shire Council, facilitating a swift and efficient emergency response. Her co-ordination during the prolonged Murray River flooding in October 2022 further demonstrated her ability to lead extensive welfare checks and resource distribution for vulnerable populations.
A significant contribution to the safety and wellbeing of the Rutherglen community throughout her extensive volunteer career has been made by Irene. Her unwavering dedication during numerous emergencies, her leadership in hazardous situations, and her mentorship of new members have distinguished her as an exemplary figure in the VICSES.
Irene has served her organisation and community with unparalleled distinction and commitment.
Rutherglen SES Controller Darren Trevaskis described Irene as “an incredible woman, who does so much for the community and has given such wonderful service for over 40 years” and “is so deserving of the ESM”.
Irene has received many awards, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in January 2003 and an outstanding service award by Indigo North Health in 2009. She became a Fellow of the RVAHJ – Justice of the Peace in 2020.
Irene loves the SES work. “It’s very satisfying to do,” she told The Free Press. “You get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people – generally it happens in the worst time of their life.”
Of her latest award, the modest Irene feels “embarrassed” and “always figures there are other people in the community more worthy than me”.
Rutherglen SES Unit has 20 members, six of whom are female. “They’re all good,” Irene said. All 20 and the whole of Rutherglen would be happy with the 80-year-old deputy controller’s latest ESM award.
