Thank a volunteer during Rural Fire Service Week

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said he wanted to thank each of the state’s hardworking RFS volunteers during RFS Week from 7-13 June.

Whether it is hours spent on the fireground or assisting in the response and recovery to natural disasters, Queensland’s Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers will have reason to celebrate this week.

 “I cannot say it enough -- our RFS volunteers do a fantastic job in keeping the community safe, especially after facing yet another challenging bushfire season last year and this is a week to say a big thank you to all of them,” Mr Crawford said.

“I want to also take this opportunity to congratulate this year’s Assistant Commissioner Volunteer of the Year Award, Barry Dyer who showed exemplary and loyal service to the Widgee District Rural Fire Brigade community.

“My congratulations also go to the Regional Volunteer of the Year award winners.”

Mr Crawford said many RFS volunteers were currently conducting fire prevention activities across the state in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season.

“You will no doubt see yellow trucks and our volunteers conducting hazard reduction burns alongside our partner agencies and local landholders to prepare Queenslanders,” he said.

“As soon as bushfires hit, volunteers will be the first ones on the fireground both on Queensland soil and, when needed, ready to be deployed to other states.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach also extended his personal thanks to RFS volunteers across the state.

“We don’t know what this year will bring in terms of natural disasters, but what we do know is that we will have the people ready to respond when needed,” he said.

“In celebration of RFS Week, we recognised a volunteer from each of our seven regions with the Regional Volunteer of the Year Award.

“These awards are given to those volunteers who showed exceptional leadership, commitment to protecting their communities and outstanding contribution to their individual brigades.

“Congratulations to all award recipients on your outstanding work and on-going contribution to Queensland communities.”

RFS Assistant Commissioner John Bolger said in addition the regional awards a volunteer was chosen to receive the Assistant Commissioner Volunteer of the Year Award.

“Barry Dyer from Widgee District Rural Fire Brigade received this special award for his exemplary and loyal service to both his brigade and the community,” Mr Bolger said.

“His compassion, enthusiasm, optimism and encouragement showcase everything an RFS volunteer should aspire to.

“I want to thank all of our hardworking RFS volunteers for their commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe.”

For more information about the RFS, visit ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

Assistant Commissioner Volunteer of the Year award winner:

Barry Dyer from Widgee District Rural Fire Brigade

Regional Volunteer of the Year award winners:

Brisbane – Dean West from Rocksberg Moorina Rural Fire Brigade

South East – Trevor Turner from Mount Alford Rural Fire Brigade

South West – Peter Patzwald from Cabarlah Rural Fire Brigade

North Coast – David Morton from Bungadoo Rural Fire Brigade

Central – Errol Noye from Turkey Beach Rural Fire Brigade

Northern – Corinne Young from Black River and District Rural Fire Brigade

Far Northern – Garry Pickering from Croydon Rural Fire Brigade

ENDS

Media contact:  Hope Fabillar 0428 343 432