VOLUNTEER firefighting is a family affair for the Wombwells, so it is fitting that three family members are recognised together, for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.

Casterton Fire Brigade captain, Lee Condon and his uncle and cousin, as well as fellow brigade members, Brian and Bevan Wombwell, were honoured at the weekend with the National Emergency Medal, presented as part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognising significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.

The trio were part of a 34-member contingent from CFA District Four and more than 5500 CFA members from across Victoria, recognised at ceremonies over the weekend.

The local event was attended by Board Member, Peter Shaw AFSM, CFA chief executive, Natalie MacDonald, CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan and Deputy Chief Officer South West Region, Rohan Luke.

Mr Shaw 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,” he said.

“It is a great honour to receive this medal and we hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service”.

Chief Officer Heffernan spoke of his pride for the CFA members’ efforts and acknowledged their work both locally and across the state during the bushfire crisis.

The Wombwells volunteered their time and service for the 2019-2020 firefight, which took them to locations including New South Wales, where they spent four days on the firelines.

“We were hop-scotching around … wherever it broke out, we were deployed to,” Brian Wombwell said.

A career firefighter with more than 40 years’ experience on frontlines, including during the Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday crises, Mr Wombwell said while it was an honour to be recognised, “we don’t do it for the medals”.

“It’s just being out there, giving back to the community, looking after the community,” he said.

Mr Wombwell said he was proud to have his son – Bevan is a lieutenant with the Casterton Fire Brigade – and nephew alongside him at the weekend and recognised the efforts of his second son, Daniel, who was also deployed to fight the New South Wales fires, with (what is now) Forest Fire Management Victoria.

“Daniel was up there with his crew, trying to save a town, when they had the first death in the fires,” Mr Wombwell said.

Cashmore Captain and medal recipient, Regina Punton, reiterated Mr Wombwell’s sentiments.

 “It has been wonderful for all of us to be recognised for the time and commitment we, as volunteers have put forward to look after our community,” she said.

“We do it because we care for our community not for the awards, but we are thankful to be recognised.”