Benalla-based HVP Plantations’ employees joined colleagues from its northern region on Wednesday, March 1, to celebrate and recognise recipients of the National Emergency Medal in response to their efforts during the 2019/20 summer bushfires.
The medal, established in 2011, is awarded to those whose service protected life, property or interests that were not their own between November 2019 and February 2020.
There were four award ceremonies, held across regional Victoria, honouring 193 recipients.
They were recognised for their commitment and courageous efforts as frontline responders, volunteers, and community supporters during this nationally significant emergency.
HVP Plantations is a plantation forestry company with more than 240,000ha across Victoria. Chief executive officer Stephen Ryan congratulated the recipients who provided sustained or significant service during the devastating fire season.
“Everybody played their part in a range of ways through the fires — on the front line, in an incident management team or at a staging area,” Mr Ryan said.
“Each recipient did their bit and did what they could, which made a real difference during the devastating fires in 2019 and 2020.
“Fire has always been foremost in our minds at HVP as we move into summer each year, and we understand the key role we and the communities in which we work play in fighting fires each year.”
Recipients’ roles ranged from working on the front line, in Incident Control Centres, and managing rosters and resources.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan praised the medal recipients for their commitment to the community and for their courage and bravery.
“CFA Forestry Industry Brigades are essential to how CFA delivers our services to regional and rural communities,” Mr Heffernan said.
“This is an award dedicated to recognising the humble servants of our communities. These recipients were not just doing their job; they went above and beyond when their fellow community members needed it most.
“It’s our hope these awards are received with pride because the recipients truly made a difference.”