“Since commencing at Team Leader with Rivers Unit, Ben has grown in to both a model, outstanding team leader and senior ACTSES member. 

During the series of operations that Rivers Unit undertook between December 2006 and February 2007, Ben was a tower of strength for the Unit and exhibited outstanding dedication and leadership during some very difficult and trying times for the Unit.  He often kept the Unit going and lifted spirits by using humour and remaining calm, even after hours of work, when others around him were tired, cranky and feeling low.

He unhesitatingly and willingly volunteered to attend nearly all jobs, which were frequent and many at one point, regardless of his personal circumstances or how exhausted he was feeling. As Ben often does, he always put the needs of the Unit, the Service and the Community above his own. Through his selfless actions and comments, he has clearly demonstrated that he has a deep commitment to the ACTSES and sense of responsibility as a team leader.

He has provided emotional and psychological support to other Unit members and has helped a few Unit members through difficult personal times. Ben’s sense of concern and the friendship and support that he has offered people has been praised to me by other SES members. 

Ben is often the first member to volunteer for to undertake a task, regardless of which type of task, and is most often the last person to leave after a task has been undertaken”