Portland Fire Brigade Awards Night 2026

Outstanding Service Medal - Captain Ian Hamley

 

On Saturday 20 June 2026, members of Portland Fire Brigade, their families, friends and distinguished guests attended the brigade's annual dinner and awards night at the South Coast Raceway Complex in Portland to celebrate another year of service, commitment, and achievement.

 

The evening was an opportunity to reflect on the brigade's proud history, acknowledge the dedication of its members, and recognise those whose service and contribution have strengthened the brigade and the wider community.

The event was honoured by the attendance of Deputy Chief Officer Adrian Gutsche and Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mick Lavery, whose presence highlighted the importance of volunteer firefighting and the significant contribution made by Portland Fire Brigade members to CFA and the community they serve.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere while celebrating the achievements of brigade members and reflecting on the challenges and successes of the past year.

Kalian Gee was presented with a 10-year service medal, recognising a decade of dedicated volunteer service and commitment to the Portland community.

Brad McDougall received a 20-year service medal, acknowledging two decades of operational service, training, and support of brigade activities.

Frank Zeigler was presented with a 30-year service medal, celebrating three decades of dedicated volunteer service and significant contribution to firefighting and community safety.

Aaron Palmer was awarded a 35-year service medal, recognising an extraordinary period of dedicated service to CFA and Portland Fire Brigade. In recognition of his outstanding contribution and long-standing commitment to the brigade, Aaron was also bestowed with CFA Life Membership.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Portland Fire Brigade Firefighter of the Year Award to Stuart Richardson.

This prestigious award recognises a member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism, operational capability, leadership and dedication to the brigade throughout the year. Stuart's contribution to training, emergency response, brigade activities and support of fellow members made him a deserving recipient of this significant honour.

The Garry Mallen Encouragement Award was presented to Darren Cox by Garry's daughter Kaite Robins.

Named in honour of Garry Mallen, this award recognises members who have shown a strong commitment to developing their existing skills and acquiring new ones. The award acknowledges active participation in brigade activities including training, meetings, community events and ongoing personal development.

Darren's enthusiasm, willingness to learn, commitment to brigade activities and dedication to improving his firefighting skills exemplified the spirit of the award and made him a worthy recipient.

Bobbie-Lee Nelson was awarded the National Medal, recognising diligent service and commitment as a member of Australia's emergency services.

Captain Ian Hamley received the National Medal First Clasp, recognising an additional ten years of diligent and ethical service beyond the original National Medal qualification period.

One of the evening's most significant presentations was the award of the CFA Outstanding Service Medal to Ian Hamley.

The CFA Outstanding Service Medal is one of the organisation's highest honours and is awarded to members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and service to the CFA over an extended period.

Ian's recognition reflects decades of dedicated service, leadership within the Portland Fire Brigade, operational excellence, mentoring of members, and his ongoing commitment to supporting both the brigade and the broader CFA community. His recent role as Operations Chief with the Australian Incident Management Team during the 2025 Manitoba Wildfire Deployment in Canada further demonstrated the professionalism and expertise that Portland Fire Brigade members bring to both local and international emergency operations.

The annual dinner and awards night serves as more than just an awards presentation; it is an opportunity to celebrate the people who make Portland Fire Brigade such a strong and respected organisation.

 

Submitted by	Ian Hamley