A young local hero has been nominated for an award by his peers at the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) for his unwavering spirit and dedication to the Logan community.
Born and bred in Logan, Jonesy Cairncross is an 18-year-old field officer who began volunteering for the SES at 16.
Throughout his two years of service, Mr Cairncross has performed life-saving CPR at a public event, assisted a fellow volunteer during a severe asthma attack, and rescued numerous bushwalkers on overnight recovery activations.
Now, his fellow officers have nominated him for a QBANK Everyday Hero Award for “always putting his hand up and being a role model for other Logan youth”.
He said it was an honour to be nominated.
“I am extremely exalted to have been recognized by my peers and look forward to returning my gratitude through continued commitment and hard work for the SES,” Mr Cairncross said.
“It’s definitely a challenge to be in the SES when you’re younger and I hope I can inspire more young people to join the SES.”
He said his work, which primarily involves search and rescue operations, gives him confidence and a purpose.
“Before I joined the SES, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life, after joining the SES It gave me an overwhelming sense of fulfilment knowing I was making a difference in the world,” he said.
“Nothing beats the feeling of knowing you helped and made a positive difference.”
Mr Cairncross is currently completing a Cert IV in Training and Assessment so he can train other volunteers.
“Seeing communities help each other always warms my heart, and it’s always nice to go home and know that you made a positive contribution,” he said.
“The uniqueness of the work you’re performing and the stories and experience you get to share is
amazing.”
Nominations for the ninth QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards are open until 31 August, with nominees eligible from all of Queensland.
The awards aim to celebrate the achievements of people within Queensland police, fire, health, corrections, justice, and the public service, including educators.
Finalists will be announced in September and winners will be recognised at the annual awards dinner at the W Hotel Brisbane on 27 October 2023.
