Local volunteer firefighters and CFA staff members were amongst 150 service members recently honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.
The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia's honours and awards system and recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.
The official ceremony was held a Lardner Park on Sunday, April 16 and included firefighters from Baw Baw, Bass Coast and South Gippsland municipalities, including members of Drouin West Fire Brigade, Drouin, Hallora and District, Neerim South, Nilma North, and Warragul Fire Brigade.
More than 5500 CFA members have received the honour for the 2019-2020 fires. CFA board member Peter 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 I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service."
CFA deputy chief officer Trevor Owen spoke of his pride in the CFA members' efforts.
"The 2019-2020 fires devastated East Gippsland and the North East of Victoria.
"But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and 'lending a hand'.
"Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
"Whether they joined a firefighting strike team, worked in an Incident Control Centre or provided other assistance to affected communities – every contribution was valuable made a real difference," he said.