NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan said the $5000 Greg Slater Memorial Scholarship would be awarded annually to an SES volunteer who had demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in their work with the service.

A former Australian Federal Police officer, Mr Slater, 46, collapsed and died during an endurance bicycle race at Mogo on the South Coast on September 13.

Mr Whan said Mr Slater was ''a champion of the volunteers''.

''This legacy is a fitting legacy of his 11 years of service to the SES,'' he said.

''His leadership and dedication to the community and the SES were a beacon to the volunteers. This scholarship will now help more members to follow in his footsteps by enabling them to undertake further education and training to develop their leadership skills.''

Mr Slater's widow, Jenny, and children Alex and Madaleine welcomed the tribute. ''Greg would be thrilled to know that his work will continue with the SES,'' Mrs Slater said.

''He was firmly committed to the volunteers' welfare and continuing development and would be proud to have his name associated with an award that promotes and fosters improved volunteer leadership.''