About the Awards
Nominations
Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) ask the Community to help us recognise outstanding Community Service performed by paid and volunteer members of Emergency Service Agencies through the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA)
Emergency Service Personnel can be nominated by colleague, family and any members of the community. Panels of independent judges will then assess nominees on three (3) key criteria:
Community service over and above the call of normal duties which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. community involvement when they are not working in their normal roles).
Personal attributes
Contribution to their organisation
Sashi Vagadia
Sashi Vagadia - Victoria Police Public Order Response Team (PORT)
With a background in the UK Metropolitan Police as a Detective Inspector, Sashi joined Victoria Police in 2017, bringing with him a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. He established the 'Baton Challenge' initiative at the Victoria Police Academy, raising over $10,000 for Victoria Police Legacy (VPL) and enhancing awareness among recruits.Sashi volunteers extensively, notably organising the Lara RSL 24hr 96km Kokoda Memorial Challenge, raising $50,000 for Soldier On and increasing RSL membership significantly.He also supports the Victoria Police Legacy Children's Retreat and serves as an Ambassador for VPL.Sashi's dedication extends to promoting mental health and wellbeing within the police force, fostering a supportive environment through initiatives like 'Canines & Coffee' with Police Veterans Victoria. His selfless contributions exemplify his commitment to community, mentorship, and leadership in Victoria Police..
Gary Luxford
Gary Luxford - Country Fire Authority (Tooradin)
Gary is recognised as an esteemed volunteer with 56 years of service at the Tooradin Country Fire Authority (CFA).Beginning his journey at CFA at 18, Gary has held pivotal roles including Captain of the Warneet Fire Brigade for a decade and Group Captain of the Cranbourne Fire Brigades for another ten years. His commitment extended to rebuilding communities post-disaster, notably after the Bunyip/Garfield fires, where he assisted with debris clearance and reconstruction efforts.Beyond firefighting, Gary's impact spans diverse community roles—he is a Justice of the Peace, overseeing the Cranbourne Signing Centre, and has been a devoted Rotarian for 26 years, serving as club president twice. His initiatives include innovative fundraising projects like a scrap metal program benefiting local causes.Gary's contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including life memberships and national medals from CFA, highlighting his selfless service ethos. A compassionate listener and mentor, Gary remains a steadfast pillar, offering ongoing support to those in need, exemplifying his motto of "Serving above Self
2024 Winners