- Augustus (Gus) Grigg from Brookfield Rural Fire Brigade received the Regional Young Volunteer of the Year award and overall State Young Volunteer of the Year award.
- Brian Whitaker from Mount Nebo Rural Fire Brigade was recognised as Brisbane Region Volunteer of the Year.
- RFS Week celebrates its eleventh year.
The State Young Volunteer of the Year and Brisbane’s Volunteer of the Year, have been named at the launch of Rural Fire Service (RFS) Week in Mount Nebo.
RFS Week highlights the contributions of volunteers who attend regular training, undertake engagement activities and respond to incidents, all of which enhances community resilience and preparedness and response capability.
Gus Grigg from Brookfield Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) was named as both Brisbane Region Young Volunteer of the Year and the overall State Young Volunteer of the Year.
Brian Whitaker from Mount Nebo RFB received the regional Volunteer of the Year award for Brisbane Region.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan:
“Congratulations to both Brian and Gus on their awards and for what they do for their communities.
“In receiving these awards, Gus is being recognized for his commitment and diligence as a member of the Brookfield RFB,” Minister Ryan said.
“He joined the brigade as a sixteen-year-old with no background in firefighting, however his enthusiasm has helped him fully embrace the role of an RFS volunteer.
“Gus is a future leader and a role model for all Rural Fire Brigade members, and I congratulate him on his achievements.
“Brian has been a constant and key member in delivering services to the Mt Nebo community both on and off the fire ground.
“Brian has also previously received the QFES Medal for demonstrating QFES’ values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust.
“I encourage everyone to say thanks to their local RFS volunteers for their continued dedication to the safety of Queenslanders.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd MP:
“It was wonderful to attend the presentation of these awards in beautiful Mt Nebo, and to see a Brian presented with the Brisbane Region Volunteer of the Year Award.
“Brian is such a valued member of the Mt Nebo community.
“Our dedicated rural fire volunteers do so much to protect our community and it is fantastic to see Brian recognised like this.
“It was also wonderful to see Gus recognised as a future leader of the Rural Fire Service and be presented with these well-deserved awards.
“Thanks to all our Rural Fire Service volunteers in Pine Rivers and across the state this Rural Fire Service week, for everything you do to keep the community safe.”
Quotes attributable to QFES Commissioner Greg Leach:
“Congratulations to both award recipients on their outstanding work and ongoing contributions to Queensland communities.
“Brian is receiving this award for his outstanding dedication, compassion and support as a member of the Mount Nebo RFB,” Commissioner Leach said.
“He has taken on many key responsibilities in the brigade, as well as mentoring other volunteers.
“Gus has already made extensive contributions to his brigade and the community attending all training sessions and hazard reduction burns.
“His brigade members describe him as enthusiastic, approachable and attentive – these are positive attributes and Gus embodies the spirit of the RFS.
“Thank you to all of our hardworking RFS volunteers for their commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe.”
Fast facts:
Rural Fire Service Week began today and will run until 5 August. The week recognises and acknowledges the dedication of RFS volunteers in helping keep Queensland communities safe.
The RFS currently has more than 26,000 volunteers working together to support Queenslanders during disasters and emergencies.
