'My highest honour': Mandurah SES stalwart among Queen's Birthday medal recipients

The long-standing stalwart has been helping locals in need since he joined the Murray SES in May, 1983, and was awarded the Emergency Services Medal of 2019 in honour of his service.

Mr Rance - along with his wife Evelyn - spent 16 years with the Murray crew, holding the posts of navigation instructor, search controller and map reading senior assessor throughout his stint.

He eventually transferred to the Mandurah unit in 1999 and for the past 20 years has serviced the city and its surrounding areas pitching in for residents affected by weather disasters and helping out at local community events.

Over the course of his years Mr Rance has completed countless courses in emergency services, and has also helped oversee the Mandurah unit's move from a small tin shed on Park Road to its current base in Greenfields.

In 2016, he was an integral part of the team that tackled the disastrous Yarloop fires, helping roster resources where they most desperately needed.

"The fires certainly stand out as the biggest disaster I've ever helped provide support for," he said.

"It was full on. We were doing 12-hour shifts but even when you're time was off, you're shift was never really over.

"There were always things to be done and people that needed help."

In 2017, Mr Rance was presented with the community spirit award at the City of Mandurah's Volunteer Appreciation Evening.

But while he insists he's not in it for the accolades, he ranks his Queen's Birthday honour at the top of his list.

"It's my highest honour," he said.

"I don't think anyone gets into the SES for awards, but after 36 years of service it's nice to have your hard work recognised."

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm paid tribute to Mr Rance.

"I want to congratulate Phillip for this well deserved national recognition of his many years of service to the Australian community," he said.

"Phillip's 30-year contribution to the Mandurah and Murray SES units in terms of training more than 500 volunteers, introducing efficiencies to reduce unit response times, and his leadership and mentoring make him a model volunteer.

"Long-standing volunteers like Phillip contribute tirelessly to keeping their communities safe, and I'm really pleased to see their efforts are highly valued not just by DFES and their local communities, but at a national level."

For more information on the Mandurah SES or to join their volunteer ranks, visit mandurahses.org.au