CFA members Angela Cook, Kelly Stoner and Nancy Boura have been recognised for their work and contribution to the fire services at this year’s Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) Awards in Brisbane.
Angela and Kelly received the AFAC Fostering Resilient Communities Award for their work with people at higher risk from fire. The award recognised their role in “being leading voices in building and supporting resilient communities and demonstrating commitment to reducing disaster risk.”
The pair are currently working on the Clearing the path to disability inclusive fire and emergency planning project which aims to address gaps in inclusion and access to emergency planning and resources for people with a disability.
“We were honoured to accept the award – thank you to AFAC for recognising our work,” Kelly said.
“The success of this project is down to authentic connection with our key stakeholders.
“Much can come from an authentic conversation, so much more if that relationship is then nurtured. It is so important that people impacted by your work are genuinely involved and consulted.
“It is also important to understand and adopt and evidence-based best practice approach to decision making.”
A life member of Upper Beaconsfield Fire Brigade, Nancy (pictured below) received the Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Outstanding Contribution by a Female Firefighter Award as part of the 2023 Women and Firefighting Awards at AFAC.
Nancy joined CFA in 1978 initially as an Auxiliary member, but it wasn’t long before she was turning out to fires.
One of the early pioneer woman firefighters at CFA, Nancy was an active firefighter from 1981 to 2014, attending more than 1,000 incidents including the Ash Wednesday fires.
“When Nancy talks you listen because it is more often than not, a very wise head with many years of practical experience talking,” Upper Beaconsfield captain Ian Pinney said.
“Across her more than 45 years of service, she has been instrumental in raising funds for upgrades to our equipment and vehicles.
“She remains vital to our brigade and is still an active member of our Auxiliary, attending brigade meetings and fundraising activities.
“Nancy is truly fitting of this award in recognition of the contribution she has made to our brigade and CFA as a whole.”
The AFAC Awards were held as part of organisation’s annual conference which is being held in Brisbane from 22-25 August with the theme: Creating a sustainable future: the challenges and opportunities.
A number of CFA members are speaking at the conference and promoting CFA at the event’s trade show.
CFA members speaking at the event are covering topics including encouraging women volunteers, fire medical response, household bushfire preparedness, fire suppression, innovation in emergency services and disaster resilience in education.
The AFAC Bushfire outlook for spring was released as part of conference.
| Submitted by |
Shaunnagh O'Loughlin |