(left to right): CFA Board member Peter Shaw, Birregura brigade member Eddie Murnane and Deputy Chief Officer Rohan Luke
Thirty-seven local volunteer firefighters and 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, 28 August 2022, firefighters from across District 6 became the latest of more than 5,500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-2020 fires.
CFA Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM presented the medals and said they 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 CEO Natalie MacDonald also attended the event and proudly congratulated all of the recipients on their outstanding efforts.
Nalangil Brigade Captain and medal recipient, Colin Carter, said it was an honour to be formally recognised.
“Volunteer fireys don’t do the job for awards, we do it to help out fellow Australians,” he said.
That said, it is nice for the hard work and the sacrifices we make in serving our community to be formally recognised in this way.
“This has been a lovely ceremony and the cupcakes were exceptional.”
(left to right): Noorat and District Captain Michael Williams, CEO Natalie MacDonald, Board member Peter Shaw and Deputy Chief Officer Rohan Luke-
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