Emergency workers honoured on Australia Day

Published Sunday, 26 January, 2014 at 07:00 AM

Acting Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable John McVeigh

The experience and professionalism of the Queensland Fire Emergency Services have been rewarded, with nine staff and volunteers receiving Australia Day Honours.

Acting Minister for Fire and Emergency Services John McVeigh said the honours list provided recognition on a national level for those Queenslanders who had made a significant difference to their communities.

“These awards acknowledge the very best of the best and I am proud that nine of the honourees are some of Queensland’s hardworking emergency workers and volunteers,” Mr McVeigh said.

“We are very lucky to have six of our staff and volunteers receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) and three receiving the Emergency Service Medal (ESM).

“The commitment and dedication of our emergency personnel has helped Queensland gain a reputation as a leader in fire and emergency management in Australia and across the world.”

Mr McVeigh said the Newman Government was also making it easier for firefighters to do their job after the burden placed on them by Labor.

“Under the previous Government, mountains of paperwork meant firefighters were often tied to the desk instead of out on the frontline,” he said.

“In the past 18 months, the Newman Government has worked to streamline processes to ensure firefighters are out doing what they do best - keeping Queensland communities safe.”

QFES Commissioner Lee Johnson thanked the award recipients for their hard work and dedication to the safety of Queenslanders.

“These people epitomise dedication to community safety and Queensland is very lucky to have these people looking out for our wellbeing when we need it most,” Commissioner Johnson said.

The Australian Fire Service Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian Fire Service who is seen to have demonstrated a high degree of service and devotion to duty in a particular situation, or in special duties above and beyond normal work responsibilities.

The Emergency Services Medal was introduced in 1999 to give recognition to members of Australian emergency services for distinguished service relating to emergency management, training or education.

[ENDS] 26 January 2014

Media Contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Nicky Haydon 0427 705 859

 

Recipients

Australian Fire Service Medal

Ken Beasly

Rural Fire Service Queensland Regional Manager of Rural Operations for Northern Region Ken Beasley received the AFSM for his outstanding service and exceptional contribution to the RFSQ. Most notably Mr Beasley has driven Bushfire Regional Inter-departmental committees and has been instrumental in the development of hazard mitigation systems that have been adopted state-wide.

Peta Miller-Rose

Acting Bushfire Safety Manager for South Eastern Region Peta Miller-Rose personally recruited and trained 144 volunteers as Volunteer Community Educators across the south east, demonstrating her admirable commitment and dedication to community safety.

Gordon Gray

Gordon Gray has been a RFSQ volunteer for more than 30 years, successfully ensuring the long-term viability and support for fire services in Mareeba and Far North Queensland through his efforts to implement a council fire levy. Mr Gray’s commitment and passion for protecting the community was further evidenced by his responses to numerous natural disasters including cyclones Larry and Yasi.

Philip Paff

Station officer Philip Paff has demonstrated exemplary and distinguished service throughout his firefighting career, particularly in the area of technical rescue. Mr Paff also developed a Firefighter Benevolent Fund to ensure that families of fallen QFES firefighters have access to immediate emergency funds.

Alan Jorgensen

Roster Officer Alan Jorgensen has demonstrated a high level of commitment and devotion to his 16 years as principal roster officer in Brisbane. His efforts towards introducing and developing many information technology initiatives have led to a world-class rostering system that QFES now utilises.

Ian Ames

State Road Crash Rescue Training Coordinator Ian Ames has shown outstanding dedication, commitment and expertise to advancing road crash rescue training and techniques at a station and state level. Considered an expert in the field, Mr Ames continues to improve road crash rescue practices through his leadership and mentoring of firefighters to improve their skills and personal abilities.”

Wayne Preedy

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Area Director (Townsville) Wayne Preedy has an extensive history in training development and leadership in emergency management throughout northern Queensland. Most notably, Mr Preedy led the Northern Region through the most significant cyclone in history, Tropical Cyclone Yasi and a wet season the likes that has not been seen for decades, with numerous disaster events impacting across the region at times simultaneously.

Anthony Fenner

Anthony Fenner has been instrumental in youth development across the SES around Allora and Clifton throughout his 26 years as an SES volunteer. Mr Fenner always makes himself available to assist fellow volunteers with training and development and continuously dedicates countless hours to assisting his community during times of natural disaster.

Margaret Garbutt

Margaret Garbutt has been a dedicated SES volunteer for more than 34 years and is currently based at the Arana Hills SES Unit. Ms Garbutt provides an outstanding example to her fellow SES members and particularly to those who have just joined the service.  Her skills, ability and expertise are readily acknowledged by her peers.  Her colleagues readily turn to her for guidance and direction because of her wealth of knowledge and experience.