Wednesday, 26 August 2026

 Bronwyn HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (10:02): The Epping fire brigade awards night and dinner was held on Saturday, and it was an honour to attend to celebrate and recognise the service and achievements of the many volunteers who give so much to keep us safe, whether it is fighting fires, their life-saving work on our roads or vital community education. Thank you for your commitment and service, and thanks as well to your families, who support you and make it possible for you to serve. Also, congratulations to new captain Liam Gallagher for your dedication and commitment, and good luck in the new position.

I would now like to congratulate members of the brigade who received some of the awards: James Tonkin, who received the peer award; Dom Castagna, who received the Peter Hewitt community safety award; Liam Gallagher, the Cliff Smith award; Lisa Compton-Robins, the Captain and Officers award; and Dom Castagna, the Firefighter of the Year award. The recipients of the National Medal first clasp were Andrew Dalla Via and Rohan Stevens. Brigade life members were Michael Maher and Terry Major, and National Medals were awarded to Michael Cawthan, Phil Creek, Matthew Pollard and James Tonkin. Then there were the service awards. While I cannot go through all of them, at the very least I want to acknowledge the 55-year medal and CFA life membership awarded to Chris Bahen AFSM and the 40-year service medal awarded to Frank Ciechomski.