Local RFS Volunteers Recognised For Service

Volunteers, particularly those in the emergency services sectors, are the backbone of our community.

On September 28, over 100 local RFS volunteers, recipients of the National Emergency Medal, plus a clutch of clasps for Long Service to recognise those among us who have given decades of service to the community.

The Hawkesbury region has been through hell over the last three years, and those frontline RFS volunteers were supported by catering, logistics, support and comms people as well.

Councillor Nathan Zamprogno said one of his greatest pleasures as a Council representative was attending award ceremonies, particularly those associated with volunteer service organisations.

“What struck me the most was the excellent humour of the night,” Councillor Zamprogno said.

“Although there were dignitaries and recognition of both sacrifice and loss, everyone was in high spirits, in that ‘everyone knows everyone’ laconic and practical common-sense way that the Hawkesbury does so well.

“The room was full of laughter, while the mature and upcoming generations mingled in friendship.

“I love to study what makes strong communities.

“The spirit of volunteerism and service-above-self is alive and kicking in the Hawkesbury and it makes me glad.”

The awards ceremony was a community thank you to those volunteers who put their community’s wellbeing above their own on a regular basis, but when events like droughts and floods rip through often attract more helping hands.

“One of the greatest ironies of life is that it takes awful tragedies like fires or floods to bring out the best in our communities,” Councillor Zamprogno said.

“The way in which people front up just because it’s the right thing to do, and the way they help one another shows the fundamental goodness and strength of the people of the Hawkesbury.

“We recognised that here with our RFS volunteers, who laid it on the line for us, but I also recognise other emergency service responders like the SES, NSW Fires, and the host of charitable organisations who went above and beyond.”

• Topics:

• Volunteering
• Emergency Services