LOCAL Country Fire Authority (CFA) staff members and volunteer firefighters have been awarded National Emergency Medals for their efforts during the 2019-20 Australian bushfire crisis.

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.

86 people across District 5 received the medal and clasp set, including five recipients from Hamilton Fire Brigade – captain Malcolm Anderson, 1st lieutenant Nigel Rabbitts, 2nd lieutenant Liam Kavanagh, firefighter Caleb Moritz, and firefighter Emma Nagorcka – who were presented with their medals at a ceremony held on Saturday, September 3 at the Showgrounds.

Hamilton Fire Brigade 2nd lieutenant, Liam Kavanagh, was one member who received the National Emergency Medal for his involvement in the 2019-20 bushfires where he was sent interstate to assist on the frontline.

“I was flown to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales and was then bused to Kempsey,” he said. 

“It was a bit nerve wrecking, but we had a great support network by the logistical teams and operational crews.”

2nd Lt Kavanagh said it was a privilege to be recognised for his efforts alongside other CFA members and volunteers from Hamilton and the surrounding brigades, including Cavendish, North Hamilton, Heywood, Strathkellar, and many more.

“I felt proud of our organisation,” he said.

“It really was a clear indication that CFA, its volunteers and staff, stand by the CFA’s qualities and it just really proves that people are here to help.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commitment to members remaining in their local brigade area to maintain coverage in their area.

“This is equally as important.”

CFA board member, Dawn Hartog, presented the medals and said they were an important recognition of the valiant efforts of CFA members.

“The National Emergency Medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis,” she 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 south-west region deputy chief officer, Rohan Luke, also spoke at the presentation and shared his pride for the efforts of the CFA members.

“The 2019-2020 fires devastated East Gippsland and the north-east of Victoria, however in (the) south-west region, we also had a number of fires that our brigades successfully overcame” 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 incredibly 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 and made a real difference.”

More than 5500 CFA members have received the National Emergency Medal honour for their involvement in the 2019-2020 bushfires.