RAY Penny is a humble man.
Recently recognised for his 25 years of volunteering service to the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) with a Long Service Medal, Mr Penny, who is the Deputy Controller North West Support Unit Swan Hill, says he hasn’t done anything special.
“I’m just a normal volunteer,” he said.
“I’ve always thought you should put something back into your community, and this is one way of doing it.
“Some people do Meals on Wheels, I do SES.”
When disaster strikes, Mr Penny and his unit aren’t the first responders but instead deal with the behind-the-scenes part of the operation — organising accommodation and catering, getting in supplies and stores.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of today’s (August 24) Guardian.






