Longtime friend of the marine industry Stephen Leahy has received an Order of Australia medal in todays King’s Birthday Honours List.
Stephen became well known to us during his time service as Yachting NSW CEO. He was active in promoting the sport and sat on the BIA’s Sailing Association Council.
Stephen is currently NSW SES Hunter Capability Unit Deputy Commander.
His commitment to emergency management and enhancing rescue response across multiple states is inspirational. Stephen has dedicated his life to emergency services, having joined the Victorian Police Force in 1983 before taking on roles with Surf Life Saving NSW, Surf Life Saving Australia, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, and now the SES.
Stephen is now using his emergency management skills in a volunteer capacity to enhance the NSW SES and build a strong incident management team in his local area. He is currently helping to build the skills and knowledge of members in the Hunter Capability Unit so the team can provide rapid incident management response as needed.
Stephen said his proudest career achievement was being at the forefront of bringing a search and rescue helicopter service to the NSW South Coast to provide rapid response in emergency incidents. The Far South Coast was a black spot in terms of rapid helicopter support, and there were many drownings in remote locations. He was an integral part of getting it off the ground, so we now have a dedicated search and rescue helicopter service in south-eastern NSW.
Congratulations. Well done Stephen.
