The Barwon Heads Fire Brigade held its biennial dinner on Friday night (20 November) with some 50 people in attendance.
The formal event is an opportunity for volunteers from the Brigade to come together and recognise the achievements of individuals and to celebrate the work they do for the community.
A number of awards were presented, including the prestigious National Medal and CFA Service Awards.
Barwon Head Fire Brigade Captain, Helen Wood said it was a privilege to see our members recognised for their service to the community.
“As volunteers we prefer to let our actions speak loudly and do not seek recognition. That’s why, amongst our peers, tonight is special as we take a moment to honour the commitment and dedication to the Barwon Heads community,” she said.
The National Medal is awarded for diligent long service to the community in hazardous circumstances, including in times of emergency and national disaster, in protection of life and property. There is an extensive criteria to determine eligibility and all nominations are reviewed and assessed by Government House.
Captain Wood also spoke about the importance of having an inclusive brigade and said it was pleasing to see five people had joined the Brigade that year.
“Our members are essential to the sustainability of our fire-fighting capability and it’s wonderful to see new members of all ages joining the Brigade,” she said.
“It’s important to have a culture of equality, which in turn creates a more inclusive and diverse Brigade. A Brigade then becomes a reflection of the community that it serves, and the community is reflected within the culture of the Brigade.”
Medals were presented by CFA Assistant Chief Officer, Barwon South West, Bob Barry to the following recipients:
National Medal:
- Greg Abramovitch
- Phil Humphrey
- Brett Mitchell
- Stephen Plunkett
- Matt Probert
- Helen Wood
- Hank Egberts
- Eddie Wilson
- Phil Pavey
- John Crozier
- Russell Kerr
CFA Service Awards:
5 Year Certificate of Service: Andrew Halnon, Nick Jahnecke
10 Year Medal: Pamela Halnon
20 Year Medal: Chris Kerr and Brett Mitchell
25 Year Medal: Anthony Hodder
30 Year Medal: Edward Wilson
In addition, Captain Helen Wood presented the two Barwon Heads Fire Brigade Awards 2015 and the recipients were:
Firefighter of the Year: Eddie Wilson
Shawn Wilson Memorial Encouragement Award: Libby Hay
Photo captions:
- Brett Mitchell receiving his National Medal from Bob Barry, CFA Assistant Chief Officer - South West
- Helen Wood receiving her National Medal from Bob Barry, CFA Assistant Chief Officer - South West
- Eddie Wilson receiving his National Medal from Bob Barry, CFA Assistant Chief Officer - South West
- Helen Wood presenting Libby Hay with the Encouragement Award
- All National Medal recipients from l-r: Greg Abramovitch, 3rd Lieutenant Brett Mitchell, Captain Helen Wood, Phil Pavey, Stephen Plunkett, Communications Officer Eddie Wilson
- Eddie Wilson, Barwon Heads Fire Brigade Firefighter of the Year and Libby Hay, Barwon Heads Fire Brigade Encouragement Award
Author: CFA News