Local volunteers recognised
By Sonia Isaacs
Firefighters from across the Sunshine Coast hinterland have been formally recognised for their extraordinary efforts during the catastrophic 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, receiving the prestigious National Emergency Medal at a special ceremony held at the Caloundra Events Centre on Saturday, May 17.
Volunteers from Maleny, Glass House Mountains, Beerwah, Landsborough, Montville, Mapleton, Eudlo, Kenilworth and Peachester were among those honoured, with the medal acknowledging significant or sustained service in nationally significant emergencies.
Recipients included Steven Schober of the Maleny District, and Tyson Blair, Lou Spann, Mark Thomas and Neal Rolley of the Beerwah District, who were among the firefighters and support crew that put themselves on the front lines of one of Australia’s most devastating bushfire seasons.
The Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Sunshine Coast Area Awards Ceremony also saw volunteers presented with a range of accolades, including the National Emergency Medal and clasp for the 2019–20 bushfires, the National Medal, and the Commissioner’s Commendation for international deployment to Canada’s wildfires.
RFSQ South East Coast Assistant Chief Officer Joel Gordon paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all recipients.
“Our RFSQ volunteer members demonstrate unwavering commitment to their communities, and this awards ceremony was an important chance to recognise their incredible efforts,” he said.
“From responding to incidents in their own neighbourhoods to answering calls for help from the other side of the world, the award recipients have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty.”
Mr Gordon said the 2019–20 bushfire season pushed emergency services to their limits.
“These were fast-moving, unpredictable fires. The fact that no lives were lost in Queensland is testament to the bravery and professionalism of our volunteers.”
In addition to the awards, four new Medium Attack firefighting trucks were officially handed over to local brigades including two to Maleny and one to Montville RFB—boosting frontline capabilities ahead of future fire seasons.
