Over 1000 years of service was acknowledged earlier this month at the South Gippsland Group Dinner and Awards night. A special highlight was the awarding of National Medals to four very deserving recipients.
The National Medal recognises long and diligent service as an operational firefighter in roles that carry inherent risk to self and others that share in the endeavour.
Recipients of the National Medal were: Foster Captain David Jones (third clasp – 45 years operational service), Foster Communications Officer Paul Austin (second clasp – 35 years operational service), Foster firefighter Kaylene Jones (first clasp – 25 years operational service), Tarwin Lower & District Captain Mick Moore (medal – 15 years operational service).
District 9 Commander Andrew McCartney read out the members’ service history and some of their achievements.
“David Jones’ performance of the operational firefighter role, and the commitment he has given to the task was originally recognised in 2017 where, after already serving 37 years as a firefighter, he was presented with his National Medal, first, AND second clasp,” said Commander Andrew McCartney.
“David is tonight presented with his National Medal third clasp, recognising in excess of 45 years long and diligent service as a firefighter for CFA.”
“Every brigade and every Captain needs a Paul Austin,” Commander McCartney said in Paul’s pre-amble. “Paul is that person who can be relied upon to uphold routine servicing and general equipment maintenance. Scheduled checks and tests require a person that can be relied upon to provide availability when the work is there to be done, and Paul is that person for Foster Fire Brigade.
“David Jones’ performance of the operational firefighter role, and the commitment he has given to the task was originally recognised in 2017 where, after already serving 37 years as a firefighter, he was presented with his National Medal, first, AND second clasp,” said Commander Andrew McCartney.
“David is tonight presented with his National Medal third clasp, recognising in excess of 45 years long and diligent service as a firefighter for CFA.”
For Kaylene Jones, he continued: “Kaylene first joined Foster Fire Brigade as an auxiliary member in July 1979, then, during a period of change in how CFA managed non-operational membership, Kaylene decided to take this opportunity to expand her duties to responding on the trucks and became an operational member in 1998 – contributing 27 years to operational duties.”
For Mick Moore’s presentation, Commander McCartney highlighted how quickly the brigade recognised his leadership credentials.
“Mick joined Tarwin Lower District Fire Brigade in 2011 and immediately stepped up to take on roles of responsibility and accountability…
“Mick has now been the enthusiastic, energetic and passionate Brigade Captain for the past 11 years. He leads by example when it comes to community engagement and has residents actively actioning preparedness and risk reduction for their own properties (across three major risk townships in Walkerville, Tarwin Lower & Venus Bay).
“Mick and his dedicated members have created a vibrant, viable and healthy brigade that are serving their community with great distinction. I am sure there is considerable gratitude for the brigade from all those that call the area home (or holiday home).”
Following the presentation of the National Medals, the evening then turned to the many years of service volunteers have given their communities as firefighters and brigade members.
Special thanks were especially extended to the families of members.
“Tonight we recognise not only individuals but also celebrate Brigades, Groups and the families of our members.
“A CFA Volunteer’s family is every bit as selfless and generous as our valued volunteers.
“Tonight’s awards recognise some of those who are challenging themselves with relatively new endeavours, whilst also celebrating those that “have been there and done that”.
“Some have contributed what amounts as a lifetime and their service has done a lot to uphold and strengthen the iconic brand that is CFA.
“…CFA, your community and your brigade thank you for your service.”
From top left to bottom right, - Immediate past Captain of Meeniyan-Stony Creek, Paddy Eldred was presented with his 45 year medal by CFO Sam Costanzo, Captain Mal Price and Commander Andrew McCartney. - Tarwin Lower and District Member Ron Taylor was presented with his service medal by CFO Sam Costanzo, Captain Mick Moore, and Commander Andrew McCartney. - The many years of service Welshpool members, from 2nd left, Eddie Fowler (50 years), Captain David Grylls (50 years) and Ron Leach (20 years) was recognised at the South Gippsland Group dinner. - Two Toora members were presented with 5 year certificates: Alex Berry and Therese English, they are with CFO Sam Costanzo, Captain Tim Wright and Commander Andrew McCartney. - Meeniyan-Stony Creek medal recipients included, Captain Mal Price (30 years), Will McDonald (10 years) and Bruce Waddingham (5 years). - Fish Creek & District recipients included, second from left, Gordon Pulham, who collected his father Neville Pulham’s 70 year medal, Marg Grumley (35 years), Captain Ray Poletti, Glenys Thompson (15 years) and Rob Nicholson (5 years), with CFO Sam Costanzo and Commander Andrew McCartney. - 2025 National Medal Recipients Paul Austin, David Jones, Kaylene Jones and Mick Moore, flanked by CFA presenters Commander Andrew McCartney (left), and Chief Financial Officer Sam Costanzo. - Presenting Dumbalk’s Service Awards were, from left, Commander Andrew McCartney, CFO Sam Costanzo, Captain Dallas Campbell, and recipients Rob Fisher (15 years) and Tony Maruzza (15 years).
