Newstead Brigade Annual Awards night

Newstead Captain awarded CFA Outstanding Service Medal

 

On 24 May 2025 Newstead Fire Brigade held its Annual Awards night.

 

It was a great night attended by about 70 people, including most of the brigade’s operational and support members and their families.

Well known to almost everyone in Newstead, Captain Doug Richardson has been an integral part of the Newstead brigade for more than 45 years and has been the Captain for almost 40 of those years; a feat not matched by many.

He has seen significant change in the brigade not only in membership, but equipment, buildings, vehicles, tactics and techniques during his many years of service.  Not only that, but he has also seen his fair share of major fires, road accidents, grass fires, floods and anything else you can think of that CFA attends.

This year, Doug was awarded the CFA Outstanding Service Medal, CFA's highest award apart from valor awards. It's a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated so many years to the protection of life and property in Newstead and surrounding districts.

This year, the brigade also instituted its own awards to recognise the special efforts of some of the members.

Firefighter Scott Chaney was awarded the inaugural Rookie of the Year award in recognition of his enthusiasm and commitment to developing his firefighting skills since joining the brigade. 

Firefighter Chris Simmins was awarded the Captain’s Award and was also presented with the Simmins Family Memorial Plaque in honour of his family being the driving force behind the brigade’s support of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal for more than 10 years.

The 'Russell Hodges' Memorial Shield for Brigade Member of the Year, was awarded to Firefighter Ron Archer. This award is in recognition of our late friend Russell Hodges who passed away suddenly two years ago. During his time in the brigade, Russell became a highly valued member who was always around and could always be relied upon for just about anything. Ron is one of our most reliable members, always on hand when the pager goes off and doing sterling work in running the Newstead Community Market.

CFA service awards were presented to 13 brigade members ranging from 10 years, up to 45 years of service, including three CFA Life Members. Notably, four members of the former ladies’ auxiliary - Bev Richardson, Joan Sartori, Lorraine Burgess and Carmel Longmire - were recognised for their unwavering support of the brigade by receiving their 45-year service medals.

Also presented on the night was some long overdue National Medals. The National Medal recognises prolonged exposure to hazardous circumstances in the service of the community. This year 17 members of the brigade were presented with this honour, including Don Hepburn who was recognised for his 45+ years of service to the Newstead community.

All in all, a great night was had by all who attended with some coming from interstate to share in the event.

On behalf of the members of the Newstead Fire Brigade we would like to congratulate Doug Richardson and all the members who received awards and on behalf of the community, thank you for your service to Newstead and surrounding districts.

 

Submitted by	Hilton Hazeltine