🚧 Celebrating Emergency Services Medal recipients

Every year, the King’s Birthday Honours celebrate Australians who make outstanding contributions to their communities. Since 1999, the Emergency Services Medal has recognised exceptional service in emergency roles like response, leadership, training, and management across Australia.

In 2026, we are proud to honour two remarkable recipients. Katrina Antony and Murray Colvin have dedicated their lives to water safety, rescue work, and supporting our members, making our organisation stronger and helping protect communities in Victoria and beyond.

Katrina Antony ESM

For 20 years, Katrina Antony has shown outstanding dedication as a lifesaving volunteer, both on the front lines and as a leader. She started in 2005 with Portland LSC and has given over 1,700 patrol hours, helping out at several clubs and regions.

Now serving as LSV Director of Training and Assessment, and a member of Ocean grove SLSC, Katrina has helped modernise lifesaving training in Victoria. She has introduced new training pathways and digital systems, making training more efficient and accessible for thousands of volunteers.

Katrina has shown strong leadership during difficult and high-pressure situations. She has led search and rescue efforts with multiple agencies and supported others during one of Victoria’s toughest lifesaving tragedies. Her professionalism, empathy, and clear guidance have made a lasting difference for members and the wider emergency services community.

By mentoring, leading, and working alongside others, Katrina is helping to guide and inspire the next generation of lifesavers.

Murray Colvin ESM

For over 50 years, Murray Colvin from Lakes Entrance SLSC has made a huge impact in lifesaving and emergency response. He started volunteering in the 1970s and has worked in surf lifesaving, helicopter rescue, paramedicine, and major emergency operations.

Murray is now the LSV Lifesaving Operations Officer in Gippsland, where he leads emergency management, coordinates search and rescue, and helps clubs respond around the clock. He also works on the front lines as a Rescue Water Craft Operator and patrol member, staying closely involved in community safety.

Murray’s list of frontline roles is extensive. As a lifesaver, MICA paramedic, and passionate mentor and innovator, he has helped develop training programs and contributed to advancements in aerial firefighting, leaving a lasting legacy in lifesaving capability across the country.

A shared commitment to saving lives

Katrina Antony and Murray Colvin represent the best of Life Saving Victoria. Their work shows not just skill, but a strong dedication to people, training, and keeping communities safe.

On behalf of Life Saving Victoria, we congratulate Katrina and Murray on this well-earned honour. Their leadership and dedication inspire our members and help us continue our mission to prevent drowning and save lives.