Congratulations to all the volunteer emergency first responders who received Australia Day Awards today for their service to community. Well deserved recognition!
In addition Shane Fitzsimmons was awarded an AO (Officer of the Order of Australia), for the leadership demonstrated as NSW Fire Commissioner during the bushfires of 2019-2020. In accepting the award he said “… I was in awe of the remarkable effort led by our volunteers through what was an unprecedented fire season”.
Valmai Dempsey, from Canberra, was announced as the 2022 Senior Australian of the Year for her unwavering service and leadership as a St John Ambulance Volunteer over 50 years, including her efforts during the recent devastating fires and for the support to fellow volunteers when the pandemic hit.
We also would like to recognise Dot Hennessey, an AFRF Board member, who was awarded the title of Senior Citizen of the Year under the Lord Mayor of Wollongong’s Australia Day Awards, for her tireless efforts in the community and through Rotary. Congratulations Dot.