Lower North Coast Zone celebrates long serving members

Summary

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) today applauded the achievements of 46 dedicated volunteers from Lower North Coast Zone with the presentation of national medals and/or long service medals for service to the community.

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie joined State Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP and other guests to mark the occasion.

Ms Pavey said the 46 members from both Nambucca and Kempsey have given a combined total of 1,089 years of service to the lower north community.

“The members being recognised today with long service medals and/or clasps ranging from 10 to 54 years of service, with a special mention of Valla Brigade’s Brian Pade for his impressive 54 years of service and Peter Brougham and Ron Henderson for 50 years of service each.

“Four volunteers were also justly awarded national medals/clasps today which are awarded for diligent service which goes above and beyond what is expected of brigade members,” Ms Pavey said.

Recipients of the national medals include: Neil Gerard, Newee Creek Brigade (25 years’ service); Robert Barber, Valla Beach Brigade (38 years’ service); Allan Wardrope, Lower North Coast Aviation Brigade (39 years’ service) and Brian Beilby, Gladstone Brigade (45 years ‘service).

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie congratulated each of the Lower North Coast Zone volunteers on their dedication, commitment and service to their communities.

“You only have to look at the 2019/2020 season to see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when fires and emergency situations threaten,” he said.

He added the NSW RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment, infrastructure and resources they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and a diverse array of incidents.

“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Lower North Coast.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”

Attached files:

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: (02) 9898 1855