2025 Finalists

Finalists

Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Community Awards

2025 Winners and Nominees

to see 2024 finalists click here

Congratulations to the nominees in 2025

2025 Winners

Paid Capacity -David Lamond- ACT Ambulance (TOLL Rescue Helicopter)

Dr Lamond has worked for the retrieval service for over 20 years in Canberra (and sometime in NSW prior to this) and has saved countless lives in this time. He goes above and beyond for patients in the community, and his colleagues, often at great personal cost - there has been many a phone call made in the middle of the night on his days off. He is always available for his colleagues to provide support, advice or a listening ear. This is not only with regards to provision of exceptional patient care, but with regards to supporting his colleague’s wellbeing, and is an enormous support to us all. His unwavering passion and dedication to retrieval medicine has inspired many juniors to follow in his footsteps, and he is highly respected by each of us.

Dr Lamond frequently spends days off providing education to doctors and paramedics at the Southcare base and ESA training headquarters, and partakes in the PARTY program, to increase the awareness of road safety for high school children across the ACT who have just gotten their licenses. He often volunteers as a medic for local events, and has also been actively involved in supporting ACT Broomball in a variety of ways.

Volunteer Capacity - Michael Ware- ACT Rural Fire Service

Michael Ware embodies the principle of "Service Above Self" through both his volunteer efforts and professional endeavours. His dedication to community service is evident through his involvement with Greening Australia, where he contributes to conservation and restoration projects aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable land management. Whether planting trees, restoring habitats, or engaging in educational campaigns, Michael's efforts with Greening Australia highlight his commitment to a greener future for everyone. By volunteering his time and energy to these initiatives, he not only contributes to environmental preservation but also inspires others to take action for the planet.

Additionally, Michael's annual volunteer work with the National Folk Festival demonstrates his passion for fostering community spirit and cultural appreciation. This event brings together diverse groups to celebrate music, arts, and traditions, and Michael's behind-the-scenes contributions help ensure its success. His work with the festival creates a space for cultural exchange and enjoyment, enriching the community's social fabric.

Beyond his voluntary contributions, Michael's role as an active member of the ACT Rural Fire Service showcases his dedication to public safety and community resilience. His service involves responding to emergencies, safeguarding lives and property, and participating in fire prevention initiatives. Through this role, Michael remains a steadfast protector of his community, demonstrating selflessness and bravery.

In his professional capacity, Michael applies the "Service Above Self" ethos to his work as a Federal Public Servant in the Department of Agriculture. His focus on biosecurity is crucial for protecting the nation's agricultural integrity and biodiversity. By working to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, Michael ensures the health and safety of Australia's ecosystems and food supply. His role requires diligence, foresight, and a commitment to the greater good, reflecting his dedication to serving the public interest.

2025 Nominees

Carrie Chapman- ACT Ambulance

Ms Chapman is a dedicated and committed member of the ACT Ambulance Service. Her personal values and work ethics leads her to commit significant personal time back into the organisation to ensure every opportunity to improve the service provided to community members is maximised. Particularly at a time of their most need for support.

Within the work environment, Ms Chapman has also taken on a mentoring role for younger members of the ACT Public Service having difficulty navigating social situations and other neuro diverse issues. Most recently, Ms Chapman has committed to supporting a young staff member through a variety of social and work related issues they have had difficulty navigating. Providing a reassuring ear and a impartial perspective, Ms Chapman has helped realise a more stable environment both for the staff member and their colleagues.

Ms Chapman can also be found committing personal time to undertake voluntary work as a carer in the ACT community. During any year, Ms Chapman will support multiple members of the community with a disability. Supporting the most vulnerable members of the ACT community, Ms Chapman can be found supporting members through activities ranging from social engagement, shopping and outings, right through to home care duties, cleaning and supporting personal hygiene responsibilities. This aligns with her desire to ensure our most disadvantaged members of the community have lives that are enriched and filled with appreciation and care, support and some personal dignity. Ms Chapman has volunteered in this role for over 40 years and in that time, supported more than 50 vulnerable members of the ACT community.

Anthony Groves - ACT Ambulance

Anthony Groves has demonstrated sustained and meaningful community service throughout his career with ACT Ambulance Service, where he currently serves as an Ambulance Manager in the Clinical Governance Unit. Since joining ACTAS in 2016, Anthony has consistently gone beyond the expectations of his role to support colleagues, strengthen clinical systems, and improve patient outcomes across the Canberra region.

Known for his generosity with time and expertise, Anthony regularly provides informal mentorship and clinical advice outside rostered hours. Colleagues consistently seek him out for feedback on challenging cases, support with system navigation, and professional guidance—reflecting his trusted reputation and commitment to shared learning.

In 2023, Anthony spearheaded the development of the Clinical Support Officer (CSO) work group—an initiative undertaken largely in his own time—to establish a structured and sustainable peer support and mentoring model. This work has significantly improved the confidence and capability of frontline paramedics and reinforced a culture of continuous improvement.

Anthony also applies his skills to solving operational challenges faced by crews. One example is his development of a versatile, low-cost response bag designed to be used by both single responders and dual-crewed teams. This innovation has enhanced readiness, safety, and efficiency for ACTAS staff.

Beyond internal service, Anthony plays a pivotal role in developing and fostering strong working relationships with key external partners. He collaborates closely with North Canberra Hospital, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra Health Services, the ACT Coroner’s Office, and local palliative care providers. These partnerships have been critical in ensuring a coordinated, high-quality approach to patient care and in strengthening clinical governance across agencies.

Over his years of service, Anthony Groves has exemplified the Rotary principle of “Service Above Self.” His leadership, innovation, humility, and unwavering focus on supporting others always without expectation of reward make him an outstanding nominee for this award.

Glenn Noonan - ACT Ambulance

Glenn is an exceptional individual whose commitment to community service extends well beyond his duties as an Intensive Care Paramedic, and Operation's Clinician. During his 32 years in Ambulance services, he has consistently demonstrated “Service Above Self” through volunteer work, mentoring, and community engagement. Glenn's selfless nature and willingness to help others on the Worst Day Of Their Life have made a lasting impact on many families, and across multiple communities.

Glenn's assisted road trauma victims where he has come upon accidents on his own holiday's. Similarly helping other's with health difficulties. Glenn has travelled and volunteered with international ambulance services, learning new/different protocols, returning to Australia with knowledge to promote new and innovative ideas. This fosters international teamwork and confidence. His positive influence has extended beyond our country, often supporting families facing hardship.

He knows about personal hardship and medical emergencies, having had a below knee amputation himself in the recent past. His spirit and love of the job were the main drivers for him to return to full health, with a prosthetic leg, and be able to resume work as a paramedic within 12 months, returning to road duty shortly after. He is 1 of 2 below knee amputee paramedics in Australia and we are truly lucky to have him.

Glenn is also a regular participant in Club-led charity initiatives, particularly around fundraising for health-related causes. His efforts have directly contributed to increased community knowledge and lifesaving awareness. Outside of formal organisations, Glenn often steps up to help people and can be found at hotrod events with his car, and is always the first to offer assistance. His actions demonstrate not just professional skill, but deep empathy and commitment to community welfare. Prior to NSW and ACT Ambulance Service, Glenn volunteered with St John Ambulance for a number of years, providing first aid coverage at sports and community events, training new volunteers, and promoting health awareness. This has helped build community resilience, particularly among youth and vulnerable persons.

In every role—whether as a paramedic, volunteer, or community member, Glenn leads with humility, compassion, and a strong sense of duty. His service is driven not by recognition, rather by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. For over 32 years, he has been a quiet yet powerful force for good in the community, embodying the true spirit of volunteering and service.

David Lamond- ACT Ambulance (TOLL Rescue Helicopter)

Felicity Roantree- ACT Fire & Rescue

Senior Firefighter Felicity Roantree exemplified the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” through her personal initiative to improve student wellbeing at Red Hill Primary School. After identifying that the school’s toilet facilities were in extremely poor condition—broken doors, damaged tiles, and unhygienic surroundings—she was deeply concerned to learn that some students were avoiding the facilities altogether. With her background as a former educator, Felicity understood the broader significance of these spaces, particularly as safe and private areas for children experiencing social or emotional difficulties.

Acting entirely on her own initiative, Felicity sourced grants, materials, and community support to repair the amenities—one block at a time. She personally undertook much of the tiling and repair work herself, and in a spirit of inclusion and creativity, engaged the students in designing artwork for the walls and tiles. Her compassionate leadership has had a lasting impact on the school, creating a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for every child.

Matt DeWaard- ACT Fire & Rescue

Firefighter Matt Dewaard exemplifies an enduring commitment to service, both professionally and personally. In addition to his role with ACT Fire & Rescue, Matt is a dedicated volunteer in his hometown of Jindabyne, NSW, where he serves as a Deputy Captain with the NSW Rural Fire Service, and actively contributes to Alpine Rescue and Ski Patrol operations, providing medical first response, firefighting, and mine emergency response across the Snowy Mountains region.

Beyond his emergency service roles, Matt is also a professional photographer who generously donates his time and expertise to support charitable causes, including Beat the Burn and other community events. Whether behind the lens or on the front line, Matt consistently gives of himself without expectation of recognition.

His selflessness, dedication, and willingness to serve wherever needed truly exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”, making a meaningful impact on the communities he supports both in the ACT and regional NSW.

Michael Ware- ACT Rural Fire Service