News
13 October, 2024
Moreton volunteer is Everyday Hero finalist
A young Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer, inspired to join his local Moreton Bay SES Unit after a devastating flood event, has been named a finalist in the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes awards.
Moreton Bay City SES Volunteer Tristan Kolio is one of 23 finalists selected from across the state for the 10th annual awards, which celebrates the exceptional achievements of people within Queensland Police, Fire, Health, Ambulance, Corrections, Public Service, Education and volunteers.
Tristan has been recognised in the excellence category for his commitment to the SES after just one year volunteering, and drive to improve cultural awareness and educate his community.
Tristan is the Moreton Bay City SES Unit Media and Engagement Coordinator, also working full time at his own production company.
Tristan said he was motivated to join his local SES Group to help his community after his family and community were affected by the 2022 floods.
Now, two years later, he calls it the best decision he ever made.
“The first point of contact is the most crucial part of the role. You may be serving people on the worst day of their lives, but the moment they see a person in orange approach, they feel relief,” he said.
“I find this is the most special part of the job, as you may never know the affect your role might play, even if it means you’re there to talk and listen.”
Tristan actively supports the community through his role in the SES, by operational response, community education and cultural awareness.
“Although I still go out on jobs, my core focus is to create and manage media and content for the Moreton Bay SES Unit to share educational information to the public,” he said.
“I’m also passionate about diversity, as there aren’t many volunteers of Māori and Samoan descent. By sharing my Polynesian heritage and culture, I can support people of my cultures on jobs and encourage others to join.”
Tristan said he felt privileged to be named a finalist in the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards.
Winners will be selected by a panel of highly respected judges and will receive $2000 deposited into a QBANK account and $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.
Winners will be recognised at the annual awards dinner at the W Hotel Brisbane on 11 October 2024.
