Before you start, please confirm your nominee meets these requirements:
Paid or Volunteer
The nominee must be member of NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW SES, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW RFS, or Surf Life Saving NSW in a paid (employee) or unpaid (volunteer) capacity and will be judged on:
- Community service over and above the call of normal duties that best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. community involvement when they are not working in their normal roles).
- Personal attributes
- Contribution to their organisation
Consider
What Agency does the nominee serve in as an employee (paid member) either full-time or part-time; or as an unpaid member (i.e. volunteer)?
Does the person you are nominating...
- have regular contact with their local community? Do they assist with identifying priorities in their area of expertise or responsibility?
- offer visible reassurance and improve the quality of life in their community?
- have evidence of personal and/or professional achievement (certificates, etc.)?
- demonstrate excellence in community service?
- taken on any additional duties above and beyond their normal role within the Agency? Examples might include: mentoring, peer support, family support for colleagues, etc.
- display exemplary ethical behaviour and integrity?
- possess leadership qualities and team building skills?
- seen by the community as a valuable asset in the life of the local community
Winners & Finalists
A Winner of these Awards previously as a Volunteer of the Year and/or Officer in Paid Capacity is ineligible to be nominated.
A Finalist in these Awards, is ineligible to be nominated again within a period of 5 years.
A Nominee not selected as a finalist can be nominated again in the following year.
Awards Ceremony - each finalist must attend at the Awards Ceremony to accept the Award in person.
Need more background? See About RESCA – Who Can Be Nominated and Emergency Services Agencies.
Follow these steps (about 10–15 minutes):
- Check eligibility: Confirm the nominee and agency meet the criteria above.
- Gather details: Nominee name, agency and role, years of service, region/unit, and contact info.
- Describe achievements: Provide 2–3 concise examples showing community impact, leadership, innovation, or teamwork.
- Add evidence: Upload supporting documents or testimonials (optional but recommended).
- Review & submit: Review and submit the form.
See the Judging Criteria and Nomination Pack for guidance. Key dates are listed below.
- Be specific: Focus on 2–3 clear examples; avoid general praise.
- Show outcomes: Quantify impact where possible (people assisted, incidents reduced, training delivered).
- Evidence helps: Attach brief testimonials, citations, or media links that verify claims.
- Link to criteria: Reflect leadership, innovation, teamwork, and community service.
- Keep it concise: Use short paragraphs and avoid jargon.
We collect nomination details to verify eligibility, assess against criteria, and contact nominators, nominees, and referees. If selected as a finalist we may use information and images for publicity related to RESCA.
You can request corrections or withdraw a nomination by contacting the RESCA team. We will confirm changes with relevant parties.
Key Dates
Nominations open: 2nd March
Nominations close: 30th April (11:59 pm AEST)
Finalist notifications: 23rd June
Awards dinner: 1st August – see event page for details.
Submit early to allow time for referee checks.
Questions about eligibility or the form? We’re here to help.
- Email: admin@rescawards.org.au
- Check our FAQs for common questions
- Media or complex enquiries: use the Contact page