Meet Mark!
For close to four decades Mark Cunnington served the local and international community in his role NT Emergency Services observing the evolution of the service first-hand.
“When I first started in 1987, everything was analogue. We tracked cyclones on a wall map using coordinates, sent bulk messages to police stations via teletext, and later, fax machines. HF radios were used for long-distance communication, our four-wheel drives had no air-conditioning, and winches were powered by take-off, which were much better than the electric ones we use now. Uniforms, including helmets and boots, were often second-hand when issued, and gloves and safety glasses were optional. Roof safety systems were still a decade away from being introduced.
As a volunteer and Emergency Management Officer Mark has trained and worked around the Territory and internationally in emergency planning, response management, exercise management, civil defence and leadership.
“There have been so many significant events throughout my career some major along with numerous smaller ones,” Mark said.
“I was part of setting up the Timor tent city, as well as operations and the reception of evacuated UN and other personnel from Timor. Additionally, I assisted with the Bali bombings and helped receive evacuees from the 2004 tsunami.
Closer to home I was involved in major emergency response events including cyclones Thelma, Steve, Monica, Carlos, Lam, Nathan, Marcus, and Trevor, and flooding events in Katherine, Kalkarindji and the Daly River.
There were significant searches, such as the Clinton Liebelt search at Dunmurra, the Baker/Heiss escapee search, and many land and air searches for missing people, as well as for crashed aircraft and boats, and attended countless crime scenes, storm damage jobs, rescues, and community engagement events.
I even went looking for a tsunami once.
Mark’s accomplishments include receiving his 25-Years of Service with clasp along with commendations and certificates of appreciation.
“I’m particularly proud of having built the NTES flood boat fleet and its doctrine, as well as getting started on updating the vehicle fleet and establishing a vehicle and building design doctrine.
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Find out how to join on our volunteers page!