The husband and wife duo of 23 years, were presented with their awards by NSW Director for People and Culture, Kathleen Lacuto.

Mr Orchard has been an active member of SES for five-and-a-half years and is the Local Controller for the Upper Lachlan Shire and the Crookwell Unit.

He joined the unit in 2012 and has held positions of Training Officer, Administration Officer and now Local Controller.

Melissa has been a member for four-and-a-half years and is the current Logistics Officer.

Brendan Orchard, Nic and Melissa’s son, received a long service medal for service to SES for five years and Amanda Skelly also received her award for long service of five years on the morning. 

These two awards were presented by Upper Lachlan Shire’s Mayor Brian McCormack OAM.

Another awardee on the day was Ric Murray from the Southern Highland region’s volunteer unit, for long service of 35 years

The Crookwell unit has a membership of 20 and is currently inviting more to join.

They held an open day in conjunction with the awards ceremony on Saturday and visitors were invited to see the recently completed office renovations at the unit on McIntosh Road.

Visitors also seen the new rescue boat and were able to go through the rescue vehicles onsite.