Jock Smith is well-known for his dedication to the shire.
The 24-year-old man’s heavy involvement in the local community, in particular his volunteering efforts, have been recognised by the Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.
On top of being a part of the NSW Rural Fire Service team, Mr Smith has also been a volunteer for the Narrabri VRA since 2015, for which his work has landed him a finalist position in the NSW Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship.
The prize is $1000 for the winner to use on whatever emergency service training they desire.
If he’s successful, Mr Smith hopes to use the funding on further leadership-specific education.
He says it’s very exciting being nominated for the prestigious title, one that Mr Smith hasn’t had the honour of being short-listed for previously.
“It was a bit of a surprise, but definitely a good one – it’s always nice to be recognised,” he said.
But, as with many local volunteers, accolades aren’t the reason for Mr Smith’s hard work.
“I really enjoy learning new things and further developing my skills, especially in those situations that the average person doesn’t always get to experience,” he said.
“It’s also very rewarding, getting that sense of community and helping out people in need – you feel good after successfully finishing a job.”
Mr Smith added that the local community-focused attitude to emergency services is often unmatched in metropolitan areas.
“Emergency service groups seem to have a more substantial impact in rural and regional areas,” he said.
“Out here we’re focused on keeping our neighbours safe, whereas in the cities there’s a greater area to cover and you sometimes lose that sense of locals helping each other out – there’s a big difference between the services here and those in the metropolitan areas.”
Mr Smith is passionate about local emergency service volunteering, and encourages anyone with an interest in the area to try their hand.
“Just give it a go, come along and get to know those behind the local volunteer groups,” he encouraged.
“You get to meet a range of new people and find out more about what we do – we’re always happy to welcome any new members.”
Mr Smith is among three other short-listed scholarship candidates, who were announced by the Minister for Police and Emergency Service, David Elliot, on Wednesday, June 16.
The finalists volunteer for a range of emergency service groups across the state, including Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Inc., NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW SES and more.
The recipients of both the scholarship and the other Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards will be announced on Saturday, August 14.
The Courier joins the community in wishing Mr Smith all the best in the awards.
Fellow VRA member Harvey Black, left, and Jock Smith help Kaputar snow-bound evacuees pack up in June.
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