General News
31 August, 2022
CFA volunteers honoured for crisis efforts
THIRTY-seven local volunteer firefighters and Country Fire Authority (CFA) staff members have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.
THIRTY-seven local volunteer firefighters and Country Fire Authority (CFA) staff members have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.
The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.
At a ceremony on Sunday firefighters from across District 6 became the latest of more than 5500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-2020 fires.
Local recipients to be honoured at the presentation include:
Andrew Smith, Bookaar;
Steven Russell, Camperdown;
David Robertson, Cobden;
Anthony Wynd, Darlington;
Grayson Tanner, Derrinallum;
Ian Gill, Irrewillipe;
Con Glennen, Noorat and District;
Garth Wesson, Pomborneit and District; and
David Banks, Port Campbell.
CFA board member Peter Shaw AFSM presented the medals and said the medals were an important recognition of the valiant efforts of CFA members.
“The National Emergency Medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis,” he said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal and I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”
CFA deputy chief officer Rohan Luke spoke of his pride for the CFA members’ efforts.
“The 2019/20 fires devastated East Gippsland and the North East of Victoria, however in South West Region we also had a number of fires that our brigades successfully overcame” he said.
“But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’.
“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of all of them.
“Whether they joined a firefighting strike team, worked in an Incident Control Centre or provided other assistance to affected communities – every contribution was valuable made a real difference.”
CFA chief executive officer Natalie MacDonald also attended the event and proudly congratulated all of the recipients on their outstanding efforts.