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‘I do it for my community’: Christine honoured with OAM

By Billie Davern

Jan 27, 2026

Christine Welsh has been recognised for her years of service to the Seymour SES unit with the Medal of the Order of Australia. Photo by Billie Davern

While she’s had deployments across the country, and, now, the highest honour bestowed upon her, it’s all about the people for Seymour SES unit controller Christine Welsh.

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After the Black Saturday fires of 2009, Christine had an itch to help, and that’s where it all began.

“During the Black Saturday fires, myself, like many other people, was like, ‘what can I do?’” she said.

“I wanted to be able to help in some way, and I think it was because my cousins were in SES at the time that I chose it.

“I just really wanted to be able to help out and give back to the community.”

In the years since, Christine’s “been everywhere”, helping communities in Western Australia, NSW, the ACT and even celebrating a Christmas in Omeo.

Over a decade ago was when she took the reins, stepping into the role of unit controller, which she initially wasn’t too keen on doing.

“When it was offered to me, I didn’t want it,” she said.

However, in the years since, she’s been nothing but grateful to be able to lead her team.

“Look, you can’t do anything without the support, especially of your unit,” she said.

“The people in my unit, at the moment and throughout the journey, have been amazing people. They give it their all.”

In fact, she said, of all the aspects of volunteering for SES she’d experienced along the way, it was being a part of so many of her members’ journeys that she enjoyed most.

“I feel like my favourite thing about SES is my members,” Christine said.

“It’s being in and around my members and seeing them grow; taking a member who is just joining the unit, and doesn’t know what they’re doing and building them up and supporting them.

“It’s encouraging them to become a leader, taking on roles, such as deputy controller roles or section leader roles, and seeing their growth personally and professionally – I think that’s my favourite thing within SES.

“Second to that is, of course, the community, and getting out there and helping where we can.”

For her years of service to the SES, Christine has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, honouring her dedication to supporting others.

She was none the wiser when she found out she was nominated, but to be awarded the honour was a complete shock.

“It was really humbling just to be nominated, let alone to be contacted and advised that I would be receiving the award. I was in complete shock, really. I didn’t expect it,” Christine said.

“I don’t do what I do, and no volunteer really does, for the awards, I do it for my community.”