HE'S BEEN there for every disaster to hit the Southern Downs in the last decade but local SES deputy controller Jamie Goodwin was missing when it came time for his service to the community to be honoured.

On Wednesday Mr Goodwin (pictured below) was awarded a regional SES award at the SES Week award ceremony in Toowoomba - but he was on holidays at Rainbow Beach at the time.

The award was presented to members who have given a special contribution to the service.

Mr Goodwin has been an active member of the Warwick SES group since late 2001.

SES south-western region manager Robert Bundy said Mr Goodwin was deserving of the award.

"Jamie's commitment to the community through SES has been demonstrated many times over the years through his ongoing participation in training, activations, community events, deployments and unit management," he said.

"He regularly steps up into the acting controller position, managing the unit and has demonstrated great leadership skills."

Warwick group leader Matt Sondergeld accepted the award on behalf of Mr Goodwin, who said he was surprised by the honour.

"The first I heard about the award was a letter in the mail," he said.

"It was a good feeling to hear I had received the award ... very rewarding to receive the recognition for my service."

Speaking at the awards night, Mr Bundy said the event was an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the region's SES volunteers during the past year.

"Tonight we recognise the tireless efforts of our SES volunteers and the service you provide to the organisation, your team members and your communities," Mr Bundy said.

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the SES in Queensland and it is thanks to the dedication and professionalism of all SES volunteers and staff that the SES remains one of the community's most respected organisations."

In the south-western region there are more than 700 active volunteers operating out of 43 SES groups, covering an area larger than the state of Victoria.

This year to date, SES members in the south-western region have recorded more than 48,000 volunteer hours across operational, training and community engagement activities.