Medals awarded to Rural Fire Service members at Bellata presentation ceremony

Rural Fire Service members across the North West have been celebrated for long service as well as overseas firefighting deployment.

Sixteen medal recipients were announced as part of a ceremony at Bellata Golf Club last Thursday night.

Narrabri Shire mayor Ron Campbell was joined by state Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, Superintendent Peter Weatherstone and operational officer Katherine Scott-Dickson for the presentation.

Medals were awarded to members from Narrabri and Moree Plains shires.

Rural Fire Service members were also honoured at a ceremony held in Bingara on Wednesday night.

The medals celebrate sustained or significant service.

“Today is an opportunity to recognise the hard work and incredible contribution of volunteers and staff across the region,” Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar said.“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting local communities, those across the state and further afield as well,” Asst Comm McKellar said.

“It is important to have these volunteers on deck to mentor and guide the younger generation joining the Service now and into the future.

“I’d particularly like to recognise Keith Thomson of the Brooklyn Brigade who is being recognised for 60 years’ service.

“Joining in 1962 and previously holding the ranks of Deputy and Senior Deputy Captain, Mr Thomson remains an active, integral part of the brigade and community.

In addition to long service honours, the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal was presented to members of the service in recognition of their deployment to Canada in 2017.

Narrabri brigade member Jock Smith, who was unable to attend the ceremony, received the honour.

The medal is awarded by the Governor-General, His Excellency David Hurley, and recognises people who have given humanitarian service in hazardous circumstances outside Australia.

Long Service Medal recipients at the ceremony included 10 years’ service awardees Peter Lee (Gurley), Alan (Pat) Johnston (Bullarah), Scott Heinz (Pallamallawa) and Andrew Stanton (Bellata).

Craig Waters, of the Bellata brigade, was honoured for 20 years’ service.

Justin Wilkes, who joined the Bellata brigade in 1989, was awarded for 30 years’ service.

Mr Wilkes has served as deputy captain of the brigade since 2016 and was a recipient of the Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation for his assistance during the 2019/20 bushfire season.

Fellow Bellata brigade member Terrence Wilkes was also honoured for 30 years’ service and joined the brigade in 1989.

Mr Wilkes was also a recipient of the Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation.

Pallamallawa brigade members Julie McLachlan, Christopher McLachlan and Allan McLachlan as well as Bullarah brigade member Ian Johnston were awarded for 30 years’ service.

Bullarah brigade members Peter Dillon and Peter Guyer were acknowledged for 40 years’ service.

50 YEARS’ SERVICE: Brian Nairn, Bellata brigade, was honoured for 50 years’ service to the Rural Fire Service.

The 50 year Long Service Medal was presented to Brian Nairn, of the Bellata brigade.

Mr Nairn joined the brigade in 1971 and served as captain for a lengthy period, from 1981 to 2012 and again in 2021. He has also held other roles within the brigade.

The 60 year Long Service Medal was presented to Keith Thomson, of the Brooklyn-Narrabri brigade.

Mr Thomson joined the brigade in 1962 and held the position of deputy captain for 10 years before progressing to senior deputy captain for a further 11 years.

While Mr Thomson stepped aside to allow younger members to grow and go forward with the direction of the brigade, he has still maintained active involvement across the years.

Mr Thomson still actively assists on the fireground with the driving of a truck, or the supply of water to incidents within the brigade area.

Asst Comm McKellar congratulated the medal recipients and thanked the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers.

“We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property,” he said.