Newcastle NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer Shaun Farmer was today named the NSW SES Young Volunteer of the Year during a ceremony at NSW Parliament House.

Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW SES Commissioner Adam Dent commended Shaun, 17, for his outstanding achievement.

Shaun has been a member of the Newcastle SES Unit for two years and responded to numerous emergency callouts to assist the community.

He participated in a NSW SES cadet program at Lambton High School in 2013 and led a successful team at the Fire Cadet Championships that same year.

As part of his training, Shaun has also completed courses in Storm and Water Damage Response, Swift Water Awareness, Rescue, Communications and First Aid.

“It is clear Shaun is a young leader who recognises the value of community participation, hard work and camaraderie and I thank him for his commitment to the NSW SES,” Mr Elliott said.

Commissioner Dent said increasing numbers of young people are joining the service.

“The professional training and diverse experience provided by the NSW SES means young people like Shaun can take their enthusiasm for helping the community and turn it into a professional career,” he said.

Program Partner of the NSW SES Cadet program Origin said volunteering provided great skills, knowledge and practical experience that greatly assist young people transition into the workforce.

“Shaun is a fantastic example of the value of initiatives like the NSW SES Cadet Program, which provides hands on training that promotes positive individual development, resilience and confidence”, said Amy Stockfeld, National Partnerships Manager, Origin.

The NSW SES Young Volunteer of the Year Award recognises the contribution of a volunteer aged between 16 and 25 who has demonstrated a commitment to learning and contributing as a member of a NSW SES Unit or Region.