South Gippsland brigades gather for awards

District 9 CFA Commander Andrew McCartney, back left, presented National Award medals to, from back left, Marg Grumley, John Elliot, Neil Hamilton, Alan Wright, Mike O’Mara, Geoff Thompson. Front, from left, Ray Poletti, Andrew Hamilton, Kerry Senior

 

Brigades across South Gippsland gathered on Saturday night, 8 August to celebrate years of selfless service given to CFA and their communities.

 

Amongst the many years of service that was recognised, volunteers were also celebrated with some special awards including CFA Life Membership, National Medals and a special certificate of gratitude.

“Awards tonight recognise varying terms of community service, with all of the milestones valued and appreciated,” District 9 Commander Andrew McCartney said.

“Be it a five-year service award that recognises the individual for the challenge they have accepted, or the extended period member, the presentation ceremony is a formal expression of respect and appreciation.

“Whether you are a long-standing member who has helped form and strengthen CFA’s iconic brand, or the member that comes in to protect and preserve that legacy into the future, everyone’s service is valuable.”

National Medals, which are presented for diligent long service to the community in hazardous circumstances (minimum 15 years of readiness), were presented to Fish Creek members: Alan Wright and Mike O’Mara.

Members who complete a further 10 years receive clasps recognising their service and these were awarded to: Kerry Senior (1^st clasp), John Poletti (1^st clasp), Andrew Hamilton (1^st clasp), John Elliot (2^nd clasp), Margaret Grumley (2^nd clasp), Geoffrey Thompson (2^nd clasp), Ray Poletti (3^rd clasp), and Neil Hamilton (3^rd clasp).

CFA Life Membership, in recognition of a minimum 30 years diligent commitment to CFA, was presented to: David Grylls (Welshpool), Charlie Young (Dumbalk), Kaylene Jones (Foster), David Jones (Foster), John Elliot (Fish Creek & District), Ron Fisher (Foster).

A special certificate recognising tireless work as the South Gippsland Group Secretary was presented to Tarwin Lower & District member Joy Hill. Joy has indicated this year will be her last as secretary for the Group. She was given a rousing round of applause from all present.

Service medals were presented to: Dumbalk members: Sarah Westwood (5 year certificate), Nick Hill (15 year), Doug Bovill (40 years); Fish Creek & District members: Alan Wright (25 years), Kerry Senior (25 years), Neil Hamilton (55 years); Foster members: Robert Powell (20 years), Sharyn Fisher (30 years); Hedley members: Darren Avery (30 years), Mervyn Reilly (35 years); Meeniyan-Stony Creek members: Kyle Price (10 years), Iznaya Kennedy (15 years), Douglas Webb (20 years), Sean Carson (35 years); Tarwin Lower & District member: Joy Hill (10 year); Toora members: Dean Best (10 years), John Cheyne (10 years), Jamie McFayden (10 years), Mark Hurst (15 year), Brett Tay (20 year); Yanakie members: Lyn Needham (10 years), Mike Needham (10 years), Damian Paull (10 year), Melissa Moon (15 years), Jared Moon (15 years), Rod Moss (15 years).

 

Submitted by	Danika Dent