Almost 100 members of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Far North Coast District have been honoured for their efforts during recent fire and flood events in NSW and Queensland.
Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest joined RFS Assistant Commissioner Mathew Smith at a ceremony on Saturday to present 96 medals and awards.
“The National Emergency Medal is specially awarded to those who provide sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies in Australia, including our volunteers and staff who gave so much during the 2019-20 Black Summer bush fires,” Mr Provest said.
“Members of the RFS Far North Coast District played an integral part in the firefighting response and I’m very proud to see so many receiving a National Emergency Medal in recognition.
“Along with protecting our own communities, many firefighters were also dispatched from local Brigades to assist with the firefighting efforts right across NSW.”
Assistant Commissioner Smith said the ceremonies are an opportunity to recognise volunteers for their service in the 2019-20 bush fires in addition to their diligent service over many decades.
“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 on the Far North Coast,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“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.”
Two events were held across the week at Ballina RSL and the Twin Towns Club in Tweed Heads, with the following medals presented:
- 140 National Emergency Medals (2019-20 bush fires);
- 13 Long Service Medals;
- 11 National Medals;
- 5 Queensland Flood Medals (2018-19 floods); and
- 4 Premier’s Citations (2019-20 bush fires).