In their short history, the Macarthur first responders awards have done more than acknowledge inspirational deeds of bravery and courage.
The awards have also confirmed what an incredible group of people first responders are in general.
It is made abundantly clear listening to the nominations of the finalists that first responders don’t enlist to do the job for the glory or the money in Fire and Rescue, the ambulance, the RFS, or the SES.
It won’t be any different in the 2026 edition of the awards, which are a collaboration of the eight Rotary Clubs in the Macarthur area: Camden, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills Next-Gen, Ingleburn, Macarthur Sunrise, Narellan, Picton and Wollondilly North.
Nominations are already open for this year’s awards and will close on February 18.
Service personnel can be nominated by colleagues, Rotarians and members of the general public.
Nominations can be submitted by completing the online Nomination form
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code in the advertisement for the awards to the right of this article.
A panel of independent judges will assess nominees on the following key criterion: Community service over and above the call of normal duties, which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of service above self.
There will be four agency winners out of the finalists for Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, and NSW SES.
One of them will be named volunteer Macarthur First Responder of the Year, and another will receive the overall award for salaried members.
The finalists and winners will be revealed at the awards presentation dinner on Wednesday, March 25 at Wests Leagues Club.
The agency winners will automatically go forward as nominees for the respective category in the State awards program, Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA).
For questions or enquiries about nominations email macarthurrotaryclubs@gmail.com