General News
2 May, 2023
Fireys honoured with awards
At a ceremony held in Horsham, local members from CFA’s District 17 became the latest to be honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis. CFA board members Peter Shaw and Dawn Hartog...
At a ceremony held in Horsham, local members from CFA’s District 17 became the latest to be honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.
CFA board members Peter Shaw and Dawn Hartog presented the medals to Warracknabeal's Cameron Whelan, Isabella Orszulak and and said the awards 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,” they said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal and we hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”
CFA deputy chief officer Brett Boatman spoke of his pride for the CFA members’ efforts during the fires which devastated East Gippsland and the North East of Victoria
“From that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’,” he said.
“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one 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 and made a real difference.”
Sebastopol Fire Brigade captain Steve Burgess was Master of Ceremonies, as well as being a medal recipient himself, and said it was an honour to be formally recognised.
“It’s an honour to receive this award, with humility and pride,” Mr Burgess said.
“This medal reflects, not only my service, but acknowledges the sacrifices made by my family while I’m away from home supporting the community.”
Mr Burgess also made mention of the support for his volunteering with CFA shown by his employer.
“CFA volunteers aren’t paid for their firefighting efforts, and we are only able to respond to major incidents for extended periods of time with the support of our employers,” he said.
“Employers deserve recognition for allowing their staff time away from work to support the Victorian community during times of need.”
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.