2017 St Florian's Day awards

Each St Florian's Day, the NSW RFS holds its annual internal bravery and service awards.

This year, 12 individual and 11 group recipients have been acknowledged by the Commissioner.

Drawn from the Service's Districts, Regions and Headquarters, these recipients are presented with awards in recognition of outstanding bravery or service.

Commissioner's Commendation for Service (Individual)

Awarded for service of a meritorious nature, or for outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties, administrative leadership, or for exemplary performance of a specific difficult project or task, not involving bravery.

Firefighter Susanne Barker 

Illawarra Community Safety Brigade, Illawarra Zone, Region East 

Firefighter Susanne Barker joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in October 2013 as a member of the Illawarra Community Safety Brigade. Since then, Firefighter Barker has volunteered more than 500 hours of her time, with her main focus on the delivery of the Preschool Fire Safety Program across the Illawarra. In 2014 Firefighter Barker was elected to the role of Preschool Functional Area Coordinator and in this time she has grown the program from  one preschool per week to three. In 2015 Firefighter Barker presented to more than 1,500 preschoolers and almost 1,900 in 2016.

Firefighter Barker regularly receives compliments on her friendly nature and positive attitude towards the preschoolers, their teachers and their carers. Her connection with the children and her ability to keep them engaged is of  credit.

In October 2016  Firefighter Barker also began implementing the Schools Program, targeted at Year 5 students within the Illawarra.

Firefighter Barker contributes to the Illawarra Zone through her role as Resource Officer, ensuring events across the Zone are resourced with the community education trailer, community education van, ‘Smokey the Koala’ costumes, and children’s smoke house. She often travels the Illawarra to ensure ‘Smokey the Koala’ makes his appearances at events like Get Ready Weekend, Bunnings fundraisers, World Environment Day with the Wollongong City Council and KidsFest with Shellharbour  Council.

Firefighter Barker is considered to be the driving force of the Illawarra Women’s Program currently under development in the area. After representing the NSW RFS at a storm protection workshop for local women, Firefighter Barker suggested the Illawarra Community Safety Brigade host a similar workshop for bush fires. This workshop, titled ‘Find it out, work it out, put it out’, was held in November 2016 and received positive feedback from participants.

Her commitment to the Illawarra Community Safety Brigade, the volunteers and the NSW RFS is commendable.

Firefighter Susanne Barker is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

Captain Peter Brougham 

Valla Rural Fire Brigade, Lower North Coast Zone, Region North 

During his 40 years of active service, Captain Peter Brougham has shown exceptional dedication to the NSW Rural Fire Service, his Brigade and the community.

Captain Brougham has demonstrated an untiring devotion to the protection of people, property and the environment, both locally and interstate. He undertakes out-of-area work confidently and competently, providing leadership and effective control in difficult situations. He has a keen ability to assess risks to his crew and to take appropriate action.

His detailed knowledge of the local area is invaluable when locating and fighting fires in remote bushland areas of the Nambucca Valley. This knowledge, combined with his experience and exceptional willingness, has also proved invaluable when assisting NSW State Emergency Services and Fire and Rescue NSW.

Captain Brougham has developed a brigade culture of sound practical knowledge, cooperation and dedication to a variety of onerous tasks. Captain Brougham’s fellow firefighters are continually inspired by his example and, under his leadership, Valla Brigade is highly  regarded by other brigades. The wider Valla community also praises the work he performs, particularly as he has attended many devastating motor vehicle accidents on the busy Mid North Coast Pacific Highway.

Captain Brougham is a most deserving nominee for this Award, his wealth of experience, enduring commitment to the NSW RFS, concern for the welfare and safety of his community, and ongoing dedication to a difficult and responsible duty is commendable.

Captain Peter Brougham is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

Captain Michael Cantwell 

Manna Mount Rural Fire Brigade, Mid Lachlan Valley Team, Region West

On 1 October 2016, with extensive flooding in the Central West, a person was reported missing in the Lake Cowal area, south of Forbes. Due to road closures, NSW Police requested that the NSW RFS coordinate the search for the missing person until they arrived on scene.

Captain Michael Cantwell of the Manna Mount Brigade assumed control as the search coordinator. A NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES) flood rescue team arrived with helicopters and liaised with Captain Cantwell.
After NSW Police arrived on scene and took control, Captain Cantwell continued to coordinate the search with more than 100 people including members of the NSW RFS, NSW SES, NSW Police and the general public.
The missing person was identified as Robert Linnane, Captain of Burcher Rural Fire Brigade.

The search continued for another five days on land, air and water. Both Burcher and Manna Mount Brigades were heavily involved in the search, along with assistance from other NSW RFS members from the Mid Lachlan Valley Team and the Bland-Temora Zone.

As the search continued NSW RFS Critical Incident Support Services (CISS) personnel were organised and Captain Cantwell ensured the welfare and fatigue issues of the NSW RFS members were addressed.

On 6 October 2016, shortly before the search was ending for the day, Robert Linnane’s body was recovered from Lake Cowal. Although this was a saddening discovery, it provided the searchers and family with some closure.
Captain Cantwell immediately organised a debrief at the search location and for everyone to return the following day to bring the search to a close. He ensured that welfare and CISS support would be ongoing for the community in the following weeks.

After the search, the then Deputy Premier Troy Grant visited the area and met with Captain Cantwell and the NSW Police Chief in charge of the search, Chief Inspector Cooper who praised the efforts of all the volunteers and especially Captain Cantwell for his dedicated and professional manner.

Captain Michael Cantwell is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for  Service.

Deputy Group Captain Robert Cox 

Corindi/Red Rock Rural Fire Brigade, Mid North Coast Team, Region North 

Deputy Group Captain Robert (Rob) Cox started his firefighting career as a volunteer in a Western Sydney Brigade in 1989. In 1991 he moved to the Clarence Valley and joined the Corindi/Red Rock Bush Fire Brigade, which transferred to the Mid North Coast District in 2004 due to council amalgamations and boundary realignments.

After more than a decade in the Mid North Coast District, Deputy Group Captain Cox has shown extraordinary dedication. He spent many years as a leader and trainer in the Clarence Valley, and continued with that dedication following his transfer to Coffs Harbour. He has spent more than 22 years training fellow firefighters, and in doing so has generously shared his time, knowledge and experience. He inspires and motivates members in their roles in the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Deputy Group Captain Cox has held a number of leadership roles with the NSW RFS, including Deputy Group Captain in the Mid North Coast District since 2014, and previously in the Clarence Valley District from 2004 to 2007. He served as the Corindi/Red Rock Brigade Captain and Senior Deputy Captain for 21 years, and held other key brigade roles which were undertaken with dedication and commitment.

Being humble in nature and a quiet achiever with a natural aptitude for leadership, he has an ability to maintain his composure and exert a calming influence over teams faced with horrific incidents and challenging circumstances. He has shown his strength as a Divisional Commander and Captain leading crews to fires and motor vehicle accidents for more than 25 years. Deputy Group Captain Cox has been Divisional Commander in numerous campaigns, including the 1994 Halfway Creek area fires and the 2001 Dirty Creek Range area fires, where crews protected 20 houses with extremely limited tanker resources.

Deputy Group Captain Robert Cox is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

Inspector Anthony Jarrett (deceased) 

Lower North Coast Zone, Region North 

Inspector Anthony Jarrett, better known to his friends and colleagues as TJ, served the NSW RFS as a volunteer and staff member for over 39 years.

In 1977 at the age of 15, Inspector Jarrett joined the Loftus Rural Fire Brigade in the Sutherland Shire. Over the next seven years, with the guidance from a number of Senior Brigade members, his skills developed and his career progressed as a volunteer firefighter within the Brigade.

Inspector Jarrett and his family moved to the Nambucca Valley in 1995, at which time he joined the Eungai Rural Fire Brigade in the Nambucca District. By 2002 he had established himself as being a highly capable operator and he was appointed as the District’s Honorary Deputy Fire Control Officer.

In 2004 Inspector Jarrett was appointed to the role of Deputy Fire Control Officer/ Operations Officer and it was in this role that he excelled. He established a bond of trust and camaraderie with his volunteers.

Inspector Jarrett’s incident management capability earned him the respect of not only his  RFS colleagues but also the officers and personnel of other emergency service agencies that  he interacted with during his career.
Inspector Jarrett was an enthusiastic promoter of developing the skills of both volunteers  and staff. He was heavily involved as a member of the organising  team for the Region North Exercise for 16 years. He was a significant contributor to the Region North Incident Management Exercises, by assisting in the development of the operational skills of Region North’s current Incident Management Team officers.

During his career, Inspector Jarrett was involved in many of Region North’s most significant firefighting operations. In 2016 he served as a NSW RFS Response Team Coordinator, responsible for the welfare of NSW RFS volunteers deployed to the North West Remote Wilderness Area Fires in Tasmania.

In 2011 Inspector Jarrett was awarded the NSW RFS Long Service Medal and Clasps for 30 years service and in 1995 he was awarded the National Medal for distinguished  service.

Inspector Anthony Jarrett is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for   Service.

Group Captain Andrew Macdonald 

Catherine Field Rural Fire Brigade, Macarthur Zone, Region East

Group Captain Andrew Macdonald joined the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Carabost Brigade in 1981 and was a member until 1988. Following a move to Sydney he rejoined the NSW RFS  in 1994 and became a member of the Catherine Field Brigade. He has held numerous roles in this Brigade, including Treasurer since 1996, and was elected as a Deputy Group Captain in 2008 and as a Group Captain in 2013.

Group Captain Macdonald’s leadership and professional  knowledge is clearly evident in his various positions. His initiative and resourcefulness are meritorious traits and often unnoticed in the public eye.

While his contribution  to  the  Catherine  Field  Brigade  is  outstanding,  his  contribution to the Camden District and Macarthur Zone has also been significant. He is a founding member of the Macarthur Zone Remote Area Firefighting Team Brigade and in this role he has been deployed to Tasmania, Victoria and various NSW locations. He has provided extensive support to other agencies in roles such as the NSW RFS Liaison Officer at Camden SES for local storm incidents. He has contributed significantly to various Committees, Zone strategies and provided updates to Standard Operating Procedures (known as SOPs).

Group Captain Macdonald has also contributed to the NSW RFS statewide, undertaking the role of event marshal at the 2014 and 2016 State Championships. In 2013 and 2015 he represented the NSW RFS in Botswana, assisting in the Botswana Fire Management Program. Group Captain Macdonald’s contributions to the NSW RFS and Brigades Donations Fund as a Trustee are outstanding.

Group Captain Macdonald sets an inspiring example in his continuing strive for excellence and he has achieved outstanding results through hard work and devotion to his office. His commendable service to his community and the NSW RFS has not only acquired him the respect of his peers but also those who have had the opportunity to observe from afar.

Group Captain Andrew Macdonald is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

Deputy Captain Sidney (Lionel) Smith AFSM 

Kenthurst Rural Fire Brigade, The Hills District, Region East

Deputy Captain Sidney (Lionel) Smith AFSM is one of the longest serving and most decorated members of The Hills District.

Commencing as a founding member of the Oakville Brigade in 1946 Deputy Captain Smith has served as a firefighter for more than 70 years with distinction.  During his illustrious career in the NSW RFS he has held the ranks of Deputy Captain, Group Captain, Deputy Fire Control Officer and Fire Control Officer of The Hills Shire. He is a life member of Round Corner Brigade. He joined the Kenthurst Brigade in 1981  and is a current serving  life member.

Deputy Captain Smith is a former member of the Bushfire Council of NSW, the Technical Committee of the Bushfire Council of NSW and the Radio Sub-Committee of the Bushfire Council Committee of NSW. He was also employed as a technical officer within the Bushfire Council of NSW and a former chairman of the Fire Control Officer’s Association of  NSW.

Deputy Captain Smith is a recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal, the National Medal 1st and 2nd Clasps and in 2012 the 3rd, 4th and 5th Clasps as well as Long Service Medals and Clasps in recognition of 70 years of service.

In his current role he assists with training, chainsaw maintenance, heavy vehicle driver training and specialist foam training across the District.

Deputy Captain Smith continues to be an active member, finding the time to assist with district-wide training and attending as many fire calls, training activities and maintenance duties as he can.

Deputy Captain Sidney (Lionel) Smith AFSM is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation (Individual) 

Awarded to recognise service or outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties, administrative leadership, or exemplary performance of a specific project or task. The Certificate of Commendation may be awarded to an individual or unit for service beyond the scope of responsibility normally expected of that person or unit in their assigned duties and is therefore worthy of acknowledgement and commendation.

Mrs Tracie Bahun 

Regional Services, NSW RFS Headquarters

Regional Services Manager (Business) Mrs Tracie Bahun is a highly valued member of the Regional Services Management Team. Mrs Bahun has been a staff member of the NSW Rural Fire Service since 2005. During this time, she has proven her administrative leadership and has committed herself to providing an improved level of service to the District and Regional Offices.

Mrs Bahun has shown her diligence through the coordination of the Operational Officer Recruitment program for the NSW RFS. This program is a unique opportunity for staff to gain experience in a range of activities in district and regional roles, as well as specialised sections across the organisation.

Mrs Bahun has been instrumental in the management, development and coordination of the Regional Services Business Plan and tools used to report on the performance of fire prevention and mitigation services. Due to the processes she has developed, the reporting accuracy and capability of our regions and districts has been vastly improved.

Mrs Bahun also demonstrates achievement and ability in her coordination of the annual Rural Firefighting Fund Allocations for regions and districts.

Mrs Tracie Bahun is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.

Superintendent Timothy Carroll 

Lake George Zone, Region South

On Sunday 27 November 2016, members of the Krawarree Rural Fire Brigade responded to a vehicle fire in a remote area of the Deua National Park. The Krawarree Brigade extinguished the fire, however as they prepared to leave the scene, Firefighter Jitte Nieuwenhuis started to experience chest pains.

The Brigade’s efforts to save their fellow firefighter were outstanding and were made more difficult being located in such an isolated area. Sadly, they were unable to save Firefighter Nieuwenhuis’ life.

The Brigade returned to the station where Firefighter Nieuwenhuis’ body lay in the tanker until it could be officially removed.

Superintendent Carroll was the Duty Officer and received the call of Firefighter Nieuwenhuis’ passing. He responded immediately to the Krawarree Station to assist the members and to look after their welfare during such a traumatic experience. Superintendent Carroll remained with the Brigade members and at 0030hrs he stood the members down and remained for a further two hours. This removed the added trauma that members may have experienced by seeing their mate taken away from the Brigade station.

The following day Superintendent Carroll liaised with the NSW RFS Commissioner, Senior Chaplains and the Critical Incident Support Services Team to ensure welfare assistance was provided to the Brigade and Firefighter Nieuwenhuis’ family. Superintendent Carroll and the Lake George District provided outstanding support over the following  days.

Superintendent Carroll displayed a high level of compassion and professionalism when confronted with a distressing situation. Undertaking to stay with Firefighter Nieuwenhuis  and sending the members home were actions which displayed exemplary leadership in such a difficult circumstance.

Superintendent Timothy Carroll is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.

Deputy Captain Rachel Hessenberger

Sussex Inlet Rural Fire Brigade, Shoalhaven Zone, Region South 

In early 2016, severe fires across Tasmania led to one of the most extensive interstate deployments for the NSW RFS.

On Sunday 21 February 2016, NSW RFS Strike Team Alpha had departed the Pipeline Fire to clean the vehicles. On arrival it was reported to the Strike Team Leader that a faint and scratchy radio message was heard, believed to be from Deputy Captain Rachel Hessenberger about a motor vehicle accident with people trapped.

Two NSW RFS members headed towards the fire ground and upon entering Dip Falls they observed a NSW RFS Category 1 fire tanker on its side blocking the road. On scene were the crew from Broughton Vale 9 and a truck from the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS).

Deputy Captain Hessenberger gave a thorough situation report, including her actions taken and the condition of each patient. She had taken control of the incident and, with the assistance of Firefighter Harris and the CFS crew, they had extricated four members from the overturned vehicle. Two members were showing signs of serious injury. One crew member was still trapped and reporting neck and leg pain.

Deputy Captain Hessenberger took on the medical role and was undertaking triage of the three NSW RFS members with serious injuries. She was also monitoring the other two crew members who were assisting at the scene but rapidly showing signs of going into shock. As she looked after the patients, she recorded vital signs and any changes in their condition until paramedics arrived. Deputy Captain Hessenberger’s handover to the paramedics was excellent and she continued to support the treatment of the patients until all were transported from the scene.

The patients were in Deputy Captain Hessenberger’s hands for approximately 45 minutes until paramedics arrived. For the first 15 minutes, it was not known if there was any assistance on the way due to poor fire radio and mobile phone coverage.

Deputy Captain Hessenberger’s training as a nurse and firefighter showed as she remained calm under pressure, and was confident in her actions under difficult conditions.

Deputy Captain Rachel Hessenberger is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.

Deputy Group Captain Rick Jones 

Duffys Forest Rural Fire Brigade, Warringah Pittwater, Region East 

Deputy Group Captain Rick Jones has been a member of Duffys Forest Brigade since August 1984. He has held the roles of Deputy Captain, Senior Deputy Captain and Captain and is currently a Deputy Group Captain within the Warringah Pittwater District.

In 2013 Deputy Group Captain Jones put forward a proposal to St Edmund’s College at Wahroonga to run a Secondary School Cadet Program. St Edmund’s College is a school for teenagers with disabilities such as sensory impairment, intellectual disability and autism.

Deputy Group Captain Jones diligently customised the program to suit these Year 9 students, ensuring they would be able to access all relevant information and participate in a meaningful way.

Deputy Group Captain Jones, along with a team of volunteers from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Warringah Pittwater Districts, delivered the restructured Cadet program in 2014, which was a huge success.

Deputy Group Captain Jones’ daughter participated in the first  program  conducted at the school and she, along with fellow students thoroughly enjoyed the program which was inclusive and engaged the students’ participation and contribution. The program ensured the students were provided the same opportunities as students from other cadet programs. The students were taught important life lessons which evoked a sense of community and belonging which in turn created opportunities for the students after leaving school.

Deputy Group Captain Jones successfully engaged with the students and incorporated the inclusion of other agencies such as NSW Police, NSW SES and NSW Ambulance, to provide a thorough understanding for the students. They even had a trip to the Ku-ring-gai Rural Fire Brigade Station during one of the sessions, which they enjoyed.

Deputy Group Captain Jones has led this program which has been carried out annually since 2014. It is supported by the NSW RFS, St Edmunds College, parents, and most importantly, the students who each year, take so much invaluable learning from the program. Deputy Group Captain Jones is extremely passionate about this program.

Deputy Group Captain Rick Jones is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.

Mrs Roslyn ten Brink

Liverpool Range Zone, Region North 

District Administration Officer Mrs Roslyn (Ros) ten Brink has been a dedicated volunteer and staff member of the NSW Rural Fire Service for almost 13 years. As a volunteer of the Wallabadah Rural Fire Brigade since 2004, and subsequently as a volunteer with the Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah and Upper Hunter Districts, Mrs ten Brink has excelled in a diverse range of roles and duties including active firefighting and brigade administrative support. She has contributed as Brigade Treasurer, Permit Issuing Officer and Community Engagement Officer.

Mrs ten Brink began as the Liverpool Range Zone Administration Officer in 2007. She has also performed the Fire Mitigation Officer role on a temporary basis for periods totalling two years.

Mrs ten Brink has provided leadership within the area of district administration and operational support and is a key member of the Region’s Major Incident Coordination Group. Her experience as a member of major incident coordination teams includes Section 44 operations at Liverpool Range, Tamworth, New England, Castlereagh, Clarence Valley and more recently the 2013 Blue Mountains fires.

Her interstate deployments included the 2016 Tasmanian West Coast Fires, the 2015 South Australian Sampson Flat Fires, the 2014 South Australian Berri/Renmark Fires and the 2009 Victorian Black Saturday Fires.

Mrs ten Brink contributes enthusiastically to every aspect of each role or activity in which she undertakes. Her work ethic is greatly respected throughout the NSW RFS, by volunteers, colleagues, supervisors and senior officers alike. She is a high achiever within her field and through her past contributions and continuing efforts is considered worthy of recognition.

Mrs Roslyn ten Brink is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.

Commissioner's Unit Citation for Service

Awarded for service of a meritorious nature, or for outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties, administrative leadership, or for exemplary performance of a specific difficult project or task, not involving bravery.

Krawarree Rural Fire Brigade

Lake George Zone, Region South

On Sunday 27 November 2016, Deputy Captain Robert (Bob) Laurie, Deputy Captain Wayne Cramp, Firefighter Brian Kirk and Firefighter Jitte Nieuwenhuis responded to a vehicle on fire at the remote Bendethra Camping Ground of the Deua National Park, around 60 kilometres south of Braidwood. The response involved a long slow journey down a 4WD trail in two Category 7 tankers where they extinguished what was left of the vehicle fire.

When the crew were preparing to return to the station, Firefighter Nieuwenhuis advised his colleagues he was not feeling well and had chest pains. His fellow crew members, immediately tended to him and requested ambulance assistance. Unfortunately, poor weather conditions prevented air ambulance from accessing the location, which meant that road ambulances were dispatched.

Firefighter Nieuwenhuis’ condition significantly deteriorated and his crew mates continued to provide first aid. The crew deployed an AED and began CPR, which they continued for more than two hours.

Despite their untiring efforts, the crew were unable to revive Firefighter Nieuwenhuis.

The crew returned Firefighter Nieuwenhuis’ body to the station where he was pronounced deceased by ambulance officers. They remained with their crew mate at the station well into the evening.

Deputy Captain Robert (Bob) Laurie, Deputy Captain Wayne Cramp and Firefighter Brian Kirk’s actions were commendable in the greatest of  adversity.

Krawarree Rural Fire Brigade is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for  Service.

Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade

Namoi Gwydir Team, Region North

The Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade has been established for over 50 years and is highly regarded within the community for their skills and ability to “get in and get the job done.”

The Mungindi Brigade has attended numerous motor vehicle accidents in their area where people have been trapped and seriously injured. Rescue services from NSW and QLD are more than 120 kilometres away and often take hours to reach the accident scene.

As a consequence, in 2013 the Brigade was considered as a possible rescue service option for the Mungindi community. The proposal was a first for the NSW RFS and would require specialised training for members and formal rescue accreditation for the unit. The Local Emergency Management Committee endorsed the proposal and the Service provided the necessary rescue tools and equipment.

In November 2014 the Mungindi Brigade members commenced training which was provided by the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and included NSW RFS and NSW State Emergency Service members.

The Brigade worked through all aspects of General Land Rescue training and members were assessed as competent by the Police Rescue Squad on 30 July 2016.

The State Rescue Board accredited the Mungindi Brigade for secondary rescue and assigned the Brigade as primary rescue subject to the local NSW SES unit meeting the necessary requirements and is accredited.

The Mungindi Brigade have shown enormous commitment not only in undertaking the rescue training and maintaining their skills, but also dealing with the challenges associated with taking on a new role for the NSW RFS within the emergency service community.

The Mungindi Brigade has achieved this  accreditation with exceptional professionalism and commitment. The ability of this relatively small remote Brigade to meet and overcome challenges and work together cohesively brings credit to the NSW RFS.

Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service.

Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation (Unit) 

Awarded to recognise service or outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties, administrative leadership, or exemplary performance of a specific project or task. The Certificate of Commendation may be awarded to an individual or unit for service beyond the scope of responsibility normally expected of that person or unit in their assigned duties and is therefore worthy of acknowledgement and commendation.

Bedgerebong, Burcher, Jemalong, Lake, Manna Mount, South Gipps, Warroo, Blowclear-Wamboyne, Winnunga, Ungarie Rural Fire Brigades, Helitack 201, Helitack 220 and Down the Wire Technicians 

On 1 October 2016, a person was reported missing in the Lake Cowal area, south of Forbes. Due to extensive flooding and road closures, NSW Police requested that the NSW RFS coordinate the search for the missing  person.

Captain Michael Cantwell of the Manna Mount Rural Fire Brigade assumed control and undertook the role of search coordinator. A NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES) flood rescue team arrived with helicopters and liaised with Captain  Cantwell.

After Police arrived on scene and took control, Captain Cantwell continued to organise and coordinate the search with more than 100 people involved including members of the NSW RFS, NSW SES, Police and the general public.

The missing person was identified as Robert Linnane, the Captain of Burcher Rural Fire Brigade.
Both Manna Mount and Burcher Brigades were heavily involved in the search for their missing friend and mate, with assistance from the Mid Lachlan Valley Team and Bland Temora Zone.

In support of the operation, two NSW RFS helicopters and four volunteer ‘Down the Wire Technicians’ undertook four long days of search operations in extremely difficult conditions. The search involved low level flying over expansive flood plains, with challenging conditions and hazards including exposure to deceased stock.

On 6 October, shortly before the search was ending for the day, Robert Linnane’s body was recovered from the Lake. Although this was a saddening discovery, it allowed the searchers and family to have some closure.
All of the searchers attended a debrief at the search location and were offered support from NSW RFS Critical Incident Support Services.

The manner in which all involved conducted themselves during the search proves they are deserving recipients of this Award. NSW Police praised the efforts of all the volunteers, community and other services for their dedication and professionalism in conducting the search.

The Bedgerebong, Burcher, Jemalong, Lake, Manna Mount, South Gipps, Warroo Blowclear-Wamboyne, Winnunga, Ungarie Rural Fire Brigades, Helitack 201, Helitack 220 And Down the Wire Technicians are worthy recipients of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation  (Unit).

Coonabarabran Squad Volunteer Rescue Association 

On Saturday 30 July 2016 the Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade became the first rescue accredited rural fire brigade in the NSW history. Mungindi is a small town of approximately 700 people, located on the QLD/NSW border in north west NSW.

The Coonabarabran Squad of the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) significantly contributed to the accreditation of the NSW RFS first rescue unit at Mungindi. Following local consultation between the NSW RFS and the VRA, a cooperative arrangement was established. The VRA’s Coonabarabran Squad provided formal rescue training to members of the Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade to assist in achieving the goal of becoming an accredited rescue unit.

The VRA volunteers demonstrated professionalism and commitment to the training of the NSW RFS volunteers providing the benefit of their extensive knowledge and  experience.

Members of the Coonabarabran Squad of the VRA performed with the utmost professionalism to contribute to this significant achievement through interagency effort and cooperation. They bring credit to their Squad and the VRA.

Coonabarabran Squad of the Volunteer Rescue Association is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).

Corporate Communications Group 

NSW RFS Headquarters

'I am Fire' public awareness campaign and Guide to making a bush fire survival plan

After the destructive 2013 bush fires, the NSW RFS worked with the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre to conduct community research in fire-affected areas, including the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and Coonabarabran. The research had three key findings: that the majority of people do not personalise their risk of bush fire; many believe it too hard or costly to prepare for bush fire; and many beliefs about fire are  incorrect.

The NSW RFS Corporate Communications team used these findings and supporting research to deliver a new approach to community engagement and public information, encapsulated in the new communications campaign and the ‘Guide to making a bush fire survival  plan’.

The campaign, known as ‘I Am Fire’, launched in September 2015 and included coordinated television, radio, print and online activity. It was closely aligned with the annual Get Ready Weekend, which sees more than 400 brigades take part in community engagement activities across the State.

The campaign has resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of people who correctly assessed their level of risk from 24% to 36%, and increased the number of people who had discussed their bush fire plan from 52% to 66%. Levels of preparation also increased from 38% to 50%. All targets for the campaign were exceeded and the campaign was recognised with a number of awards at the 2016 Australian Effie Awards for advertising effectiveness.

The new ‘Guide to making your bush fire survival plan’ was launched in December 2015. Using behavioural insights and results from real world testing, the content has been radically simplified and improved.

For both of these projects, the Corporate Communications team used extensive feedback from members as well as research and the latest behaviour science to develop simpler, easier tools to help the community prepare for bush fires. The positive results and external recognition are a testament of the work of the Corporate Communications team in developing and executing the new approach.

Corporate Communications Group is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).

Down the Wire Technicians 

In 2016, 19 NSW RFS volunteer Down the Wire Technicians went beyond the call of duty and provided an exceptional level of service in support of both the NSW RFS and the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) during operations and in the delivery of training and assessments. Further, 19 volunteer Down the Wire Technicians undertook 1,670 hours of operational deployment, which regularly saw them travelling out of area for periods of up to five  days.

Of particular note was the assistance to the NSW SES in west and south western NSW in which NSW RFS volunteer Down the Wire Technicians provided helicopter search and rescue capability for 45 continuous days in 2016. These volunteers operated in two helicopters for five day deployments to Wagga Wagga, Narrabri, Forbes and Parkes. Some of these volunteers undertook more than three separate operational  deployments.

A part of the role of the Down the Wire Technician is to instruct and assess on the Helicopter Insertion Techniques Courses and Rectifications throughout NSW. During 2016 volunteer Down the Wire Technicians dedicated 995 hours for the delivery of training and assessment including recertification. They also provided instruction and assessment to firefighters from Tasmania as part of the development of helicopter winch operations in that State.

The dedication and commitment demonstrated by these volunteer Down the Wire Technicians is above and beyond the expectations of the NSW RFS. The continued support demonstrated by these volunteers to the program and to remote area operations is exceptional. This commitment including the time dedicated to Brigade, District and other remote area operations is commended.

The Down the Wire Technicians are worthy recipients of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).

Hornsby Support, Cowan, Westleigh, Cherrybrook, Ku-ring-gai and Duffys Forest Rural Fire Brigades

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Warringah Pittwater Districts, Region East

In 2013 the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai District was approached with a proposal to run a Secondary School Cadet Program at St Edmund’s College, Wahroonga. St Edmund’s College is a school for teenagers with disabilities such as sensory impairment, intellectual disability and autism. To participate effectively, the students would need a customised version of the NSW RFS Cadet Program.

In 2014, volunteers from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Warringah Pittwater Districts delivered the restructured and hugely successful School Cadet Program. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learning important life lessons which have led to  opportunities beyond the program itself.

The program was inclusive, encouraged contribution, and gave students the same opportunities as students from other cadet  programs.

At the request of the College, the program has now been running for three consecutive years.

All the NSW RFS members who have contributed to this program have demonstrated a level of passion and understanding that is worthy of recognition. The program’s success is due to the outstanding dedication of these  volunteers.

Hornsby Support, Cowan, Westleigh, Cherrybrook, Ku-ring-gai and Duffys Forest Rural Fire Brigades are worthy recipients of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).

Namoi Gwydir Team State Championships Local Volunteers 

Namoi Gwydir Team, Region North

The NSW Rural Fire Service State Championships is a biennial event which sees junior and senior volunteers from across the State participate in a range of realistic scenarios and events designed to test skills, leadership and teamwork.

The Namoi Gwydir Team State Championships Local Volunteers was formed from local volunteers and staff to assist in the planning for the 2016 NSW Rural Fire Service State Championships. They were led by District Coordinator Scott Mack and local volunteers Group Captain Richard Scilley, Group Captain Stephen Eather and Firefighter Shane Wheeler.

These volunteers worked for 18 months with the NSW RFS State Championships Committee to plan and provide resources for the highly successful 2016 NSW RFS State Championships, held on 16 to 18 September at Narrabri.

They went to great lengths to bring a local flavour to the Championships; acquiring a range of specific resources to ensure that events were relevant and realistic for the competing Teams.

Their work continued through to the conclusion of the Championships with the weather bringing some last minute challenges. Significant rainfall and localised minor flooding required the volunteers to demonstrate their ability to adapt. The weather restricted access to the grounds, hampered delivery of equipment and necessitated the relocation of events and base camp facilities. The volunteers proved an invaluable resource in dealing with all changes including the weather.

These volunteers took on a role well beyond the expectations of their normal responsibilities. Their enthusiasm was infectious and allowed them to recruit other Namoi Gwydir volunteers to the cause. The local volunteers assisted with the set-up, provided support to marshals, and assisted with the pack-up.

These volunteers provided local leadership, initiative and problem solving skills to support  the State Championships Manager, Incident Controller and event marshals. Their efforts significantly contributed to the delivery of a successful and incident free event.

The Namoi Gwydir Team State Championships Local Volunteers is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).

Namoi Gwydir Team

Region North

On Saturday 30 July 2016, the Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade became the first rescue accredited rural fire brigade in the NSW history. Mungindi is a small town of approximately 700 people, located on the QLD/NSW border in north west NSW.

This outstanding achievement could not have been accomplished without the vision, dedication and persistence of a group of volunteers and staff from the Namoi Gwydir Team who were instrumental during this two year project.

Namoi Gwydir Team members championed the introduction of a rescue accredited brigade  in the remote Mungindi area of Region North. An urgent need for rescue capability was identified by the Team members working with the local brigade volunteers, who pursued the concept of a local rural fire brigade rescue unit.

The Namoi Gwydir Team promoted the initiative and provided leadership to assist in developing the proposal for the Mungindi Brigade as a rescue unit.

The Namoi Gwydir Team, working directly with both the Volunteer Rescue Association training team and Mungindi Brigade volunteers, coordinated the training effort that commenced in November 2014.

Members of the Namoi Gwydir Team undertook key roles that significantly contributed to  the establishment of the Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade as a rescue unit and their work brings credit to the NSW RFS.

The Namoi Gwydir Team is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).

NSW Rural Fire Service State Championships Committee

The NSW Rural Fire Service State Championships is a biennial event which sees junior and senior volunteers from across the State participate in a range of realistic scenarios and events, designed to test skills, leadership and teamwork.

In 2016, the event was held at the Narrabri Showgrounds complex between 16 to 18 September where almost 500 NSW RFS members took part, as competitors, marshals, support crew or within the Incident Management Team.

In the days leading up to the event, heavy rain fell in the Narrabri area which led to flooding in surrounding areas and threatened the operation of the  event.

Some sections of  the  State  Championships  setup,  including  a  base  camp,  were  affected by flooding. Faced with the prospect of cancelling the event, which would have been disappointing as teams had spent many months training, the Committee under the leadership of Incident Controller Bryan Daly, assessed the safety and viability of the event and decided to proceed. Event marshals adapted their events to the conditions, which was a difficult task, given some events involved the use of live fire.

Despite considerable rainfall, making ground conditions extremely difficult, the organising team showed flexibility and adaptability, in tailoring events and ensuring the Championships went ahead.

On the final day of the event, the organising team decided to move the presentation of awards undercover at the local school. In doing so, this proved prudent as torrential rain came down just as Orana Composite and St Paul’s Cadets were named the senior and junior  champions.

A number of participants applauded the professionalism of the organising team, who delivered an exceptional event under adverse conditions.

The NSW Rural Fire Service State Championships Committee is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).

Valla and Valla Beach Rural Fire Brigades

Lower North Coast Zone, Region North

The Valla and Valla Beach Rural Fire Brigades are two of many rural fire brigades that  provide critical fire protection to motor vehicle accident victims along the Pacific Highway  and throughout rural NSW. Over the past six years the two brigades have attended numerous serious motor vehicle accidents. Many of the accidents have involved heavy transport vehicles and, unfortunately, a significant number of fatalities and serious casualties. The accident scenes were often gruesome, and the brigades’ crews were exposed to these for lengthy periods, providing fire protection and assisting with rescue, vehicle recovery and NSW Police accident investigations.

One of the most challenging incidents was on 1 September 2010, where an off-duty Fire & Rescue NSW firefighter was killed and an off-duty Valla Rural Fire Brigade member was trapped and seriously injured. The commitment and resilience of the Brigades in dealing with this and other traumatic incidents is considered exceptional. The willingness of the crews to continually respond to potentially tragic accidents has been remarkable and exceeds reasonable expectation.

Recent major improvements and upgrades to the Pacific Highway should result in a significant reduction in the number of motor vehicle accidents in the area. It is therefore timely to recognise the outstanding dedication of the Valla and Valla Beach Rural Fire Brigades who have over a significant period of time performed with distinction under trying circumstances.

The Valla and Valla Beach Rural Fire Brigades are worthy recipients of the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit).