Local RFS long serving members recognised for their hard work and dedication

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie joined State Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP and other guests to mark the occasion.

Ms Pavey said the 46 members from both Nambucca and Kempsey have given a combined total of 1089 years of service to the lower north community.

"The members being recognised today with Long Service Medals and clasps ranging from 10 to 54 years of service, with a special mention of Valla Brigade's Brian Pade for his impressive 54 years of service and Peter Brougham and Ron Henderson for 50 years of service each," Ms Pavey said.

"Four volunteers were also justly awarded national medals and clasps today which are awarded for diligent service which goes above and beyond what is expected of brigade members."

Recipients of the national medals include: Neil Gerard, Newee Creek Brigade (25 years' service); Robert Barber, Valla Beach Brigade (38 years' service); Allan Wardrope, Lower North Coast Aviation Brigade (39 years' service) and Brian Beilby, Gladstone Brigade (45 years 'service).

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie congratulated each of the Lower North Coast Zone volunteers on their dedication, commitment and service to their communities.

"You only have to look at the 2019/2020 season to see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when fires and emergency situations threaten," he said.

He added the NSW RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment, infrastructure and resources they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and a diverse array of incidents.

"I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Lower North Coast.

"We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property."

Allan Wardrope - National Medal 1st and 2nd Clasps. Long Service Medal 2nd Clasp

Years of Service: 39

Allan Wardrope joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1981 and has been an active member of Taylors Arm, South Arm, Willawarrin and Frederickton Brigades, and founding member of Lower North Coast Aviation Brigade.

Allan currently holds the position of Brigade Captain and Training Officer with the Lower North Coast Aviation Brigade.

Allan's diverse operational background, combined with specialist Aviation skills, have proven invaluable during a wide range of local and out of area deployments.

Brian Beilby - National Medal 3rd Clasp

Years of Service: 45

Brian Beilby has been an active member of Gladstone Rural Fire Brigade for all his 45 years of service with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Brian has attended an extraordinary number of incidents during this time, as well as participating in out of area deployments.

Brian has held every position within Gladstone Brigade, including a 15-year term as Brigade Captain, and currently holds the positions of Brigade President, Secretary, Senior Deputy Captain, Permit Officer and Training Officer.

Cameron Dann - Long Service Medal for 10 years' service as a member of Crescent Head Brigade.

Beverly Dunn - Long Service Medal for 10 years' service as a member of Lower North Coast Communications and Lower North Coast Aviation Brigades.

Karen Blanch - Long Service Medal for 11 years' service as a member of Yarrahapinni / Stuarts Point Brigade.

Helmet Meire - Long Service Medal for 12 years' service as a member of Kundabung Brigade.

Anthony O'Leary - Long Service Medal for 12 years' service as a member of Kundabung Brigade.

Mark Stevens - Long Service Medal for 13 years' service as a member of Kundabung Brigade.

Alan Sayer - Long Service Medal for 14 years' service as a member of Berridale and South West Rocks Brigades.

Joshua Kempton - Long Service Medal for 16 years' service as a member of Clybucca Brigade.

Stephen Dunstan - Long Service Medal for 17 years' service as a member of Kundabung Brigade.

Nace Parkin - Long Service Medal for 20 years' service as a member of Kundabung Brigade.

Nace joined Kundabung Rural Fire Brigade in 1999 and has held the position of President, Senior Deputy Captain, Deputy Captain, Permit Officer and First Aid Officer.

Nace is currently the Brigade Captain, Executive Officer and Vice President.

Gavin Larkins - Long Service Medal for 20 years' service as a member of Gladstone Brigade.

Gavin joined Gladstone Rural Fire Brigade in 2000 and holds the position of Equipment Officer and Executive Officer.

Rhonda Browning - Long Service Medal for 21 years' service as a member of Crescent Head Brigade.

Rhonda joined Crescent Head Rural Fire Brigade in 1999 and has held the positions of Secretary, Executive Officer, Equipment Officer, RFSA Representative and First Aid Officer.

David Young - Long Service Medal for 22 years' service as a member of Yarrahapinni / Stuarts Point Brigade.

David joined Yarrahapinni / Stuarts Point Brigade Rural Fire Brigade in 1997 and has held the position of Vice President, Deputy Captain, Training Officer, Equipment Officer and Permit Officer.

David is currently the Senior Deputy Captain of the Brigade and Executive Officer.

Joanne Watts - Long Service Medal for 23 years' service as a member of Crescent Head and LNC Community Engagement Brigades.

Joanne joined Crescent Head Rural Fire Brigade in 1998 and has held the position of Vice President, Deputy Captain, Training Officer, Equipment Officer and Permit Officer.

Joanne is currently the Senior Deputy Captain of the Brigade and Executive Officer.

Mark Riedel - Long Service Medal for 24 years' service as a member of Hornsby Heights, Mt Kuring-Gai and Kundabung Brigades.

Mark Riedel joined Hornsby Heights Rural Fire Brigade in 1996. He has also been a member of Mt Kuring-Gai and now Kundabung Brigade and has held the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Executive Member.

Mark Riedel is currently the Deputy Captain of Kundabung Brigade.

Owen Finch - Long Service Medal for 30 years' service as a member of Aldavilla Brigade.

Owen Finch joined Aldavilla Rural Fire Brigade in 1989 and has held the position of Vice President, Senior Deputy Captain, Deputy Captain and Equipment Officer.

Owen Finch is currently the Brigade Captain, Executive Officer, President, RFSA Representative, Permit Officer and Training Officer.

Douglas Matthews - Long Service Medal for 30 years' service as a member of South West Rocks Brigade.

Douglas joined South west Rocks Rural Fire Brigade in 1989 and has held the position of Senior Deputy Captain, Deputy Captain, and Permit Officer.

Peter White - Long Service Medal for 40 years' service as a member of Yarrahapinni / Stuarts Point Brigade.

Peter joined Yarrahapinni / Stuarts Point Rural Fire Brigade in 1980 and has held the position of President, Vice President, Equipment Officer and Permit Issuing Officer.

Peter is currently the Brigade Deputy Captain.

Darren Rogers - Long Service Medal for 40 years' service as a member of Yarrahapinni / Stuarts Point Brigade.

Darren joined Yarrahapinni / Stuarts Point Rural Fire Brigade in 1980 and has held the position of Senior Deputy Captain and Deputy Captain.

In 2009 Darren became the Brigade Captain and Permit Officer.