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25 years’ SES service

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.

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