Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Nights like the 2020 Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai District RFS medal presentation are an important reminder of the extraordinary contribution that volunteers make to our country. Where would we be without them? The recent awards night was to recognise all those in our community receiving national medals and long service RFS medals. Being a recipient of a national medal or a New South Wales RFS long service medal is a great honour. More importantly, it's a well-deserved accolade for the many, many hours of unpaid work volunteers have offered the RFS throughout their service. The commitment each recipient has shown is extraordinary. Recipients of the national medal included Gus Gulicher, Chris Jobson, Lyn Cooper, Janet Fitzpatrick, Scott Ryrie, Anthea Roache, Tony Bright, Jack Stoner, James Leitch, Gordon Morgan, Michael Richter, Chris Cook and Stuart Clark OAM—all of whom have served the RFS in various ways and have played critical roles in their brigades over the decades. Long service award recipients include Chris Cook, John Snook, Chris Robison, Tony Griffiths and Dave McMonnies—who between them represent 144 years of service to the RFS.

Last summer was so difficult for so many Australians. The longevity, scale and intensity of the bushfire season was extraordinary. Our RFS volunteers from my area worked tirelessly during the bushfires with many deployed to various locations throughout the state. This is a great opportunity to recognise their service and say thank you.