National RESCA Awards

 
These Awards are a Vocational Service initiative OF THE Rotary Districts.  Currently NSW, ACT and Victoria participate but are looking that next year Tasmania and Queensland will participate.
In keeping with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” , the Awards acknowledge and celebrate selfless Community Service of Emergency Services personnel while supporting an important Rotary initiative: Australian Rotary Health PhD Research Scholarship into mental health in Emergency Service Personnel.  Whole in dividual services have specific internal Awards, The emergency Services Community Awards, is the only platform in which emergency Services personnel are recognised by their community.  The Awards are open to all Emergency services personnel, both paid and volunteer capacity.
In Canberra yesterday the winners of each state and territory came together for the announcement of the National Winners.
The winners were:
Gary Luxford – Fire Rescue Victoria.  Gary is recognised as an esteemed volunteer with 56 years of service at the Tooradin Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Beginning his journey at 18 years he has held pivotal roles including Captain of the Warneet Fire Brigade for a decade and Group Captain of the Cranbourne Fire Brigade for another 10 yeas His commitment extended to rebuilding communities post disaster, notably after the Bunyip/Garfield fires, where he assisted with debris clearance and reconstruction efforts.  Beyond firefighting, Gary’s impact spans diverse community roles – he is a Justice of the Peace, overseeing the Cranbourne Signing Centre, and has been a devoted Rotarian for 26 years serving as Club President twice.  His initiatives include innovative fund raising projects like a scrap metal program benefiting local causes.
 
Sashi Vagadia – Victoria PolicaSashi serves as a Sergeant in the public Order response team within Victoria Police, overseeing operations and supporting team members across the state. 
With a background in the UK Metropolitan Police as a Detective Inspector, Sahi joined the Victoria Police in 2017, bringing with him a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy.  He established the “Baton Challenge” iniative at the Victoria Police Academy, raising over $10,000 for Victorian Police Legacy and enhancing awareness among recruits.  Sashi volunteers extensively, notably organising the Lara RSL 24hr 96kim Kokoda Memorial Challenge raising $50,000 for Soldier On and increasing RSL membership significantly.  He also supports the Victoria Police Legacy children’s Retreat and serves as an Ambassador for VPL.
Sashi’s dedication extends to promoting mental health and well being within the Police force, fostering a supportive environment through initiatives like “Canines and Coffee” with Police veterans Victoria.  His selfless contributions exemplify his commitment to community, membership, and leadership in Victoria Police.
Our commendations also go to the judges as all finalists (seven of them) all have demonstrated the commitment to Service Above Self and would have had a very hard job deciding the two winners.