Among the group of awardees honoured, was Glen Innes unit member Richard Cambridge who had clocked up 40 years of service.

NSW SES Western Zone deputy commander Heath Stimson paid tribute to the group.

“The SES draws its strength from the volunteers who give up their time to serve their communities and these individuals embody that community service tradition,” he said.

“It’s great to see their years of dedicated service acknowledged with the presentation of these awards, and I look forward to each of these individuals continuing their association with the SES.

In presenting National Medals and Long Service Awards to the volunteers, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the 22 volunteers had shown the type of dedication and community mindedness that was not only a credit to each of them, but also worthy of official recognition.

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“They represent a combined total of almost 340 years of community service so it’s a real pleasure to be able present these individuals with the prestigious National Medal and Long Service Awards," he said.

“It is a great honour to have the chance to officially recognise the efforts of the incredible volunteers who form the heart of the SES and their accumulated wisdom and experience is irreplaceable."

The SES has more than 9000 volunteers in NSW who play a vital role by responding to flood, storm, bushfire and road accident emergencies, as well as providing invaluable support for search and rescue situations.