TWO AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS FOR DAYBORO AND DISTRICT RURAL FIRE BRIGADE MEMBERS
Neville Stewart and John Flewell-Smith, both of Dayboro, proudly display their medallions for the camera. Neville, with over 27 years of volunteer rural fire service under his belt, and John, with over 36 years of volunteer rural fire service under his, were nominated for the awards in late 2007, but were only advised in early January that the nominations were successful.
Both men and their wives were attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival, but had to pack up their caravans and head home for the presentations, which were held in the Parliament House Annexe in Brisbane on 25th January.
In his media release, Director-General for the Department of Emergency Services, Jim McGowan, said that more than 130 paramedics, firefighters, volunteers and departmental personnel were honoured for their significant contribution to, or in support of, emergency services in Queensland. Every year, almost a million Queenslanders call on our staff and volunteers in time of need and it’s easy to overlook the fact that these emergency services workers frequently have to operate above and beyond the call of normal duty.
Ensuring the safety of Queenslanders cannot be limited to working office hours and personal commitments and priorities often had to be relegated when an emergency occurs.
Our response to emergencies is very much a team effort and I thank and commend all those involved for their commitment to that team approach and their contribution to the safety of all Queenslanders.
