Almost 70 NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers have been recognised for more than 1,700 years of combined service during ceremonies across the Northern Tablelands.
Ceremonies were held in Tenterfield, Delungra and Glen Innes over the weekend, with members receiving National and Long Service Medals, NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citations and Life Memberships.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Viki Campbell AFSM said the awards reflected the extraordinary commitment of volunteers to their brigades and communities.
“Many of the members being recognised have spent decades protecting their communities, supporting their brigades and passing their knowledge on to the next generation,” A/Deputy Commissioner Campbell said.
“Wellingrove Brigade member Terrance Boyd has given an extraordinary 68 years of service, holding operational, leadership and training roles across four brigades.”
“Legume Brigade member George Hardcastle is also being recognised after 61 years of service, a remarkable contribution spanning more than six decades.”
Among the National Medal recipients was Stuart Grant, whose 26 years of recognised service includes time with the Royal Australian Navy, Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and the RFS.
His firefighting service included deployments to Grafton and Mallacoota during the 2019-20 bushfire season.
Several awards were presented posthumously, including Long Service Medals recognising the late Straton Kennedy, Noel Humphreys and Mark Caldwell, while the late Chris Reeves received a NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation.
Kennedy was also awarded Life Membership of the Gum Flat Brigade.
Members who assisted during the 2022-23 floods received NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citations, while Life Memberships recognised significant service to local brigades.
At Delungra on Saturday, the Tingha Rural Fire Brigade officially received a new Category 7 fire truck valued at more than $308,000.
The replacement vehicle had been delivered earlier this year.
Indigenous artwork was also unveiled on Tingha Brigade’s Category 1 truck.
Created by local artist Billie Livermore and titled When Fire Walked The Plateau, the artwork was inspired by the 2019 Tingha Plateau fire and represents the community’s resilience and Country’s recovery and renewal.
“I thank every member being recognised for their dedication and service, as well as the families, colleagues and employers who have supported them and made their contribution possible,” A/Deputy Commissioner Campbell said.
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