AIES National Medal for Excellence

The AIES National Medal for Excellence (right) is the highest award issued by the AIES and recognises outstanding and significant contributions that an individual makes as a member of an emergency service or affiliated organisation.

The 2012 AIES National Medal for Excellence was awarded to Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart APM (pictured right), of the Queensland Police Service. The award was presented by the AIES National Registrar Mr Bob Maul (left) at a ceremony held in Brisbane in May 2012.

Deputy Commissioner Stewart was nominated for his leadership as Queensland’s inaugural State Disaster Coordinator during the responses to the 2010 – 2011 Queensland flood events that included Tropical Cyclone Yasi and Tasha. He held this appointment from 23 December 2010 to 21 January 2011 and was reappointed from 28 January to 11 February 2011.

Deputy Commissioner Stewart's role as State Disaster Coordinator involved management of disaster response operations for the State Disaster Management Group as well as providing strategic advice on disaster response operations to District Disaster Coordinators and others across Queensland.

When accepting the award, Deputy Commissioner Stewart acknowledged that he was receiving the award on behalf of a team from a number of agencies who responded to the events during 2010/2011. 

Deputy Commissioner Stewart has been with the Queensland Police Service for over 37 years, serving in Brisbane, Townsville, Blackwater, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

The AIES congratulates Deputy Commissioner Stewart and everyone nominated for their exceptional contribution to their organisations and the community we serve.