Awards 2017

Garry Raymond Casey - Woodroffe

Garry has been a volunteer for most of his working life. In 1968, he volunteered for National Service and on completion of his Army training in 1969, he went to Vietnam.

In 1975, Garry joined the NT Police Force. He retired in March 2009. During that time, he joined the NT Police Association, became Assistant Treasurer in 1981, later taking over as Treasurer until 1992, remaining on the Executive until 1993.

Garry joined the NT Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association that formed in 1988 and held the positions of Treasurer, Vice President and in 1993, President. He worked with the then Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service, took part in the Sons and Daughters program and co-wrote a book with four other veterans, entitled, "Rice Paddies and Rocket Fire" that detailed their experiences before, during and after their Vietnam Service. He was also instrumental is having the memorial to the NT's only casualty in South Vietnam, Reg Hillier, who was killed in action, 29th November, 1965.

Garry joined the NT Emergency Service in April 1995 and held the positions of Training Officer, Search and Rescue Officer and Deputy Unit Officer. After a five year break, Garry rejoined NTES as Unit Officer of the Palmerston Volunteer Unit.

Garry coordinates emergency responses, Unit training, maintenance of Unit equipment, continual recruitment campaigns and organizing social and fundraising events. Over time, the Unit has been deployed to a number of emergencies in the NT. The Katherine and Daly River floods are examples. Also attends serious road accidents and other emergencies requiring rescue assistance.

Garry joined the Howard Springs Volunteer Fire Brigade in 2010 and has been deployed to Alice Springs on two occasions to fight serious bush fires in the area. He is currently training to become the HSVFB Training officer and assists with other Fire Brigades in running the annual Pensioners Christmas Party.

Garry is a Committee member of the Palmerston RSL Sub Branch and also with the retired Police Association and is peer supporter with Police, Fire and Emergency Services. In 2013, Garry was awarded the Chief Minister's Medal in the Volunteer of the Year Awards for his contribution to Emergency Services.

Nominated by Michelle Casey - Seconded by David John Hawkes