Speeches
Sunday, 04 May 2025
Dinner for South Australian Country Fire Service Australian Fire Service Medal Association
Rod and I are pleased to join you this evening on St Florian’s Day to formally launch the South Australian Country Fire Service Australian Fire Service Medal Association.
It is my pleasure to be your inaugural patron.
As we know - and as CFS volunteers appreciate better than most - bushfires are part of life for South Australians.
As a 21 year old university student, I remember clearly the orange sky and sense of foreboding that fell over Adelaide during the Ash Wednesday fires.
I’ll never forget listening to journalist Murray Nichol describing, live on radio, his Greenhill home burning down.
The Country Fire Service plays a pivotal role in our community, and as Governor I’ve been pleased to meet members right across South Australia, on my visits to the regions.
Early in my term, I visited the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island in the aftermath of significant fires.
The local communities – residents, farmers, business owners - were so grateful to the CFS, even if they had, despite their best efforts, nonetheless experienced loss.
They knew how hard the volunteers worked, and recognised the dangers they put themselves in, to protect properties and lives.
I’ve also seen how deeply engaged the CFS is in local communities.
For example, during Rod’s and my recent visit to the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, the CFS were represented at afternoon teas to welcome us to the region.
And this past week, during a visit to Light Regional Council, we met CFS members at the launch of a new community sculpture in Greenock.
It’s great to see the number of young people in your ranks and I had the pleasure of meeting CFS participants in this year’s ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil in Adelaide.
Rod and I have also noticed that CFS volunteers tend to volunteer with other organisations as well. The community spirit is strong in you!
Each year, twice a year, it is my honour to present members of the CFS with the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Australian Honours System, which is celebrating 50 years in 2025.
I’m delighted to see a number of recipients whom I’ve invested are here this evening.
As Australian Fire Service medallists, you epitomise the highest level of skill and dedication demonstrated by the SA Country Fire Service.
I thank you all for the time and energy you volunteer to this work, and to keeping our community safe.
This new association brings you opportunities for friendship and for providing the CFS with your unique support.
I thank members of the inaugural committee for stepping forward to help the organisation find its feet, especially President Andrew Lawson and Vice President Rob Sandford.
I acknowledge, too, Vince Monterola’s contribution as founding convenor.
Congratulations to you all on being Australian Fire Service Medal recipients, and now members of the association.
I look forward to seeing the association go from strength the strength.