August 2, 2024
The South Burnett had a head start on this year’s Rural Fire Service Week activities, holding a special awards ceremony for local firefighters last Saturday at the Kingaroy RSL Club.
Rural Fire Service Week runs from July 28 to August 3 to celebrate the commitment of the more than 28,000 rural firies across the State.
The Kingaroy event may have been a day early, but that didn’t stop the much-deserved recognition for their services.
“Each one of you that goes out on to the fire grounds are heroes,” compere Inspector Marty Taylor told the packed awards event.
“Every time you go on a fire ground, you’re putting your life at risk to save fellow firefighters and the communities you live in.”
Insp Taylor, who is the Area Manager for the South Burnett, said the awards ceremony was just a small token of appreciation from the State Government, the Queensland Fire Department and Rural Fire Service Queensland.
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff also thanked the firefighters for their service.
“The work you do across our region is absolutely amazing,” she said.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Young Volunteer of the Year Award (Central Region) to Bailey Smith, from McEuen Rural Fire Brigade.
Deputy Chief Officer Peter Hollier said it was very exciting that someone from the South Burnett had taken out this very prestigious award.
Insp Taylor read the citation:
“Bailey is a community-minded and passionate young firefighter. He listens to others, is respectful and always maintains a positive attitude within the brigade. Bailey is a consistent, hard-working and dedicated member of the brigade.”
“We need more young volunteers like Bailey,” Insp Taylor said.
Years of service were also recognised during the ceremony, with several recipients clocking up more than 35 years.
However, one of the longest serving members on the day was Mondure & District rural firefighter Owen Steinhardt – a former First Officer for many years – who has been connected with rural fire brigades for an amazing 40 years.
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Award Presentations
Deputy Chief Officer Peter Hollier presented the medals as the names were read out by Inspector Marty Taylor:
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 National Medal |
 Medal & 1st Clasp |
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 QFES Medal |
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Medals will also be presented at a later date to Malcolm Smith (Brooklands) – QFES Medal & 1st Clasp; and Valma and Robert Sommerfield (ex-Bunya Mountains) – Diligent & Ethical Service Medal 1st Clasp
Thank you for these fantastic photos. A great celebration of effort.