Moree’s own Kamala Wheeler has been recognised on the state stage, receiving the 2025 NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year Award for her decades of service with the NSW State Emergency Service.
Announced at a special ceremony in Sydney attended by more than 300 community, business and political leaders, the award celebrates Kamala’s remarkable 40-year commitment to protecting and supporting communities across the North West. As one of the region’s most respected SES volunteers, trainers and leaders, her contribution has shaped not only emergency response efforts, but the next generation of volunteers coming through the ranks.
Ms Wheeler, a third-generation emergency volunteer, currently serves as Deputy Unit Commander at Moree SES. Over the years, she has played a key role in major operations, from leading flood recovery in Moree and Garah to supporting crews during Cyclone Alfred. Her calm leadership, technical expertise and compassion have earned her deep admiration from colleagues and community members alike.
“It’s unbelievable, I think I’m still in shock,” said Ms Wheeler, “I’ve never been one to do things for recognition, and I’m working behind the scenes these days, so it’s very unexpected.”
“I just get on with things and do my best, and I really didn’t realise the impact that I’d made until I got up on stage and received the award last week.”
Ms Wheeler has now been volunteering with the SES for 37 years, first joining at just 14 years old.
“Dad was out in the field, and mum helped with things like reading river gauges and other admin and data-related tasks,” said Ms Wheeler.
“Dad was a tough trainer but I’m so appreciative of his training because he really prepared me for the job.”
Ms Wheeler spent many years in the front line as a field volunteer but now works in research and data collation for both local and state SES requirements, as well as aiding in training new recruits.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said Kamala’s long-term service reflects the true spirit of volunteering in regional communities.
“Kamala is an exceptional, third-generation emergency volunteer who has gone above and beyond for her local community for more than 40 years,” Ms Rygate said.
“She has led flood recovery operations, supported frontline crews during Cyclone Alfred and is helping to mentor the next generation of emergency volunteers across the state’s north-west. She is a very deserving recipient of the 2025 NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year Award.”
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise outstanding contributors across seven categories, shining a light on the often-unseen efforts of volunteers who make communities safer, stronger and more connected. This year’s ceremony also honoured Dubbo teenager and cancer survivor Molly Croft, who was named both the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year and Young Volunteer of the Year for raising more than $2 million for children’s charities.
While the awards celebrate volunteers from all corners of the state, Ms Wheeler’s recognition has been particularly meaningful for the Moree region, where she has spent her entire adult life answering the call to serve.
Her leadership at the Moree SES has been especially significant during recent years of extreme weather, guiding teams through devastating floods and ensuring residents received timely support. Beyond emergency response, she has championed training and mentoring programs, encouraging young and female volunteers to step into leadership roles and build confidence in the field.
When asked what keeps her coming back after all these years, her answer is simple.
“It’s the people – my ‘family’ is huge now because of the SES. The friendships, opportunities and personal growth that I’ve experienced because of being with the SES have all been incredible.”
“I’ve got a wall of photos of people who inspire me and my mum and dad are there in their orange SES uniforms – I’ve lost both mum and dad now so I very much keep doing it for them as well.”
Her award acknowledges decades of sacrifice – training sessions late into the night, long deployments during storms and floods, and thousands of hours given freely to ensure others are safe.
As Ms Wheeler reflects on her service and the honour of receiving this award, her story stands as a powerful reminder of the essential role volunteers play across regional NSW. Her dedication has strengthened her community for generations, and her legacy will continue through the many volunteers she has trained, guided and inspired.
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