More than 15 local brigades are among 140 CFA volunteer firefighters and staff members recognised with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-20 Australian bushfire crisis.
Recipients from the Bamawm, Colbinabbin, Echuca, Echuca Village, Girgarre, Kerang, Koondrook, Kyabram, Lockington, Pine Grove, Quambatook, Rochester, Rushworth, Stanhope, Timmering, Tongala, Torrumbarry and Wyuna branches were honoured for their contributions on Sunday, September 15, and Friday, September 20.
The National Emergency Medal acknowledges significant service during a national emergency, and is one of 60 official Australian honours.
The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.
Recipients from the Campaspe, Gannawarra and Loddon catchments join more than 5500 other CFA members who have been recognised for their contributions during 2019-2020 Black Summer bushifires.
CFA board member Peter Shaw presented the medals to the crews, emphasising the importance of their support.
“The National Emergency Medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis,” he said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal and I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan emphasised his pride for the efforts of the CFA members during the disaster.
“The 2019-20 fires devastated East Gippsland and the north-east of Victoria,” he said.
“But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’.
“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am extremely proud of all of them.
“Whether they joined a firefighting strike team, worked in an Incident Control Centre or provided other assistance to affected communities — every contribution was valuable made a real difference.”
Echuca Village Fire Brigade captain and recipient Darrell Phillips was honoured to be recognised through the award.
“The 2019-20 bushfires marked the beginning of a series of challenging events. In a short time, we faced fires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and then floods,” he said.
“Those fires remain etched in my memory.
“As a recipient of the National Emergency Medal, I know this recognition wouldn't have been possible without the incredible team effort of our volunteers and families.”