Tim Smith AFSM
Tim Smith's commitment to safeguarding communities, exceptional leadership, passion and dedication have made a significant impact on the fire services in Victoria and beyond.
Tim Smith's commitment to safeguarding communities, exceptional leadership, passion and dedication have made a significant impact on the fire services in Victoria and beyond.
The CFA volunteer and staff member has been recognised for this extensive contribution with an Australian Fire Service Medal in today’s Australia Day Honours.
A valued member of the firefighting community, Tim Smith AFSM has dedicated more than 42 years of volunteer service to Hurstbridge Fire Brigade and the Victorian community. Following in his father’s footsteps, Tim joined Hurstbridge brigade as a volunteer in 1982 at age 16.
The seasoned firefighter and respected leader has shown unwavering commitment during his time with CFA and his brigade, holding various leadership positions including lieutenant and captain. His commitment to volunteer service is exemplified by his response to approximately 40 per cent of the calls attended by his brigade during his tenure. He continues to respond to fires and other emergencies within the Hurstbridge community and statewide and is also a Deputy Group Officer for Nillumbik Group.
“Joining CFA as a volunteer was seen as the thing to do in town when you reached 16. The longer I was a member, I realised that being a part of CFA was a great way to meet people and develop networks. To be able to go almost anywhere in the state and know or meet someone who you can connect with is extremely valuable and rewarding,” Tim said.
Tim has inspired many others with his service and dedication to the emergency services. Believing in the importance of diversity and brigades reflecting the communities they serve, he has played a vital role in mentoring the next generation of women volunteer leaders through his role in the Women in Leadership Mentoring Program. He has also contributed significantly to district and state firefighting championships, both as a competitor and as a member of organising committees, supporting young members across the state to build their firefighting skills.
Valued by his fellow members for his expertise as a Strike Team Leader, Tim has been an integral part of numerous significant firefighting efforts including the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, the Black Saturday fires in 2009 and the Black Summer campaign fires of 2019-20.
“The incidents that have a profound effect on people are the ones that stay with you,” Tim said.
“The community I live in is so important to me and being able to play a small part in providing an emergency service in town is the highlight of my time with CFA.”
Tim joined CFA as a staff member in 2006, having worked in Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s (now FRV) Fleet Team for 16 years. Now CFA’s Manager Fleet Operations, Tim has been instrumental in modernising and maintaining the CFA fleet, with his innovative approach and expertise significantly enhancing operational capability, safety and performance. As part of his role, he oversees a network of 13 mechanical workshops and 2,300 CFA vehicles across the state, fostering a culture of professionalism and teamwork among his staff, whose work is vital in ensuring CFA’s ongoing capability to respond to emergencies.
Tim has also helped shape the future of the fire services in Australia and New Zealand, leading significant improvements in his role as Chair of the Australasian Fire Authorities Council Fleet Technical Group. His efforts have resulted in the development of standardised doctrine for emergency warning devices, tyre management and other critical fleet management practices, ensuring the safety and efficiency of firefighting vehicles across the sector.
“Appliance design has evolved considerably over time, with safety being the biggest driver of change as well as the need to meet tighter emissions standards in more recent times,” Tim said.
“I have enjoyed being involved with these changes and contributing to solutions that not only meet the needs of the sector but above all, support our members to perform their roles safely.”
Across his four decades with CFA, Tim’s outstanding contributions have been recognised through numerous awards including brigade Life Membership, the National Medal with two clasps, and the National Emergency Medal for his roles during the 2009 and 2019-20 fire campaigns. Tim said he feels extremely humbled to add an Australian Fire Service Medal to his honours.
“I was very surprised and honoured to be considered for an Australian Fire Service Medal,” he said.
“To have been a volunteer with CFA since a teenager and then to also have had a 35-year career at CFA as well as Metropolitan Fire Brigade is a privilege.”