Congratulations to the volunteers who graduated last night as first responders in The Rock’s new Community Emergency Response Team.

It was a privilege to join Michael Bohnke, Lisa Driscoll, Kylie Hayman, Mandy Makeham, Kathryn Mazzocchi, Andrew McNair and Kathleen Sneddon as they completed their training and stepped up to serve their community.

This is a terrific NSW Ambulance initiative, and it was wonderful to stand alongside Deputy Commissioner Wayne McKenna, Assistant Commissioner Mark Gibbs, Chief Superintendent Liesa Huggins, and the dedicated paramedic trainers who guided these volunteers through their program.

CERT volunteers play an important role in strengthening local emergency response, and The Rock community should be very proud of what has been achieved.

Well done to all involved — and thank you for your commitment to keeping our region safe.