Garry Luxford received the 2024 National RESCA Officer of the year award in the volunteer category (pictured with Rotary District Chair, Grant Hocking, Garry's wife, Kate and CFA CEO Greg Leach)
More than half a century of volunteering with the CFA was almost a rite of passage for Tooradin CFA member Garry Luxford whose family history is steeped in serving the local community.
A history that Garry was awarded the Rotary Emergency Services Community Award for on 6 December in Canberra. Garry was recognised for his outstanding community service and embodying of the ‘Service above self’ motto.
Following in the footsteps of his mother and father who were both volunteers at the CFA Springvale Fire Brigade. Garry’s journey began in scouts and naturally led him to joining the Springvale Fire Brigade in April 1967 at the age of 18.
Through the ups and downs, Garry has found joy in what he calls the “the buzz” of being involved and supporting people.
“Whether you’re the person who does the school crossing or a driver training instructor,” Garry said.
“There’s no major highlight that sticks out in my time volunteering. Just the feeling you get from giving back to the community”
Garry joined the Tooradin Brigade in 1973. His spirit of service didn’t stop there; in 1978, he was involved in founding the Warneet-Blind Bight Fire Brigade, where he served as captain for a decade, even helping to build a fire truck.
In 2001, Garry returned to the Tooradin Fire Brigade and has been dedicated to the brigade ever since. Over his long and experienced career, he has faced the intense challenges of volunteer firefighting, from his involvement in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfire response efforts, to the 2003 Omeo fires.
Beyond his firefighting duties, Garry has served as a Justice of the Peace, been involved in various community committees, and dedicated his time as a committed Rotarian, supporting both local and international projects, including helping build a school for the children after the1998 Papua New Guinea Tsunami.
CFA CEO Greg Leach attended the event in Canberra and said it was a great achievement for Garry and for Victoria.
“Garry was recognised for the national award ahead of an outstanding group of nominees from other states” Greg said.
“Congratulations Garry and thank you to you and your family for an outstanding contribution to CFA and your local community”.