The invaluable dedication of its members was highlighted at the Volunteer Rescue Association’s 49th Annual General Meeting and opening at the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club on October 20.
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More than 120 members gathered from across NSW as Paul Marshall, Robert Armstrong, Paul Campbell Allen, Ray Lotty, Stuart Davies and Richard Armstrong received National Medals.
To be eligible for the National Medal the recipient must have served 15 years, either continuously or aggregated service if appropriate.
Six members were presented with VRA Long Service and Good Conduct medals and clasps as recognition of their long-term devotion to the Association, exceeding 170 years between them.
Commissioner Mark Gibson and Christopher Pearson were acknowledged for 40 years of service each, while Tony Cole marked three decades.
Ray Lotty marked 25 years of service and Allan Sheldon 15 years.
Jennifer Channel and Craig Barlow were presented a VRA Medal for 10 years of service.
“To exceed 170 of service is a reflection of the longevity of our membership and the volunteers willing to give the VRA their total support,” Commissioner Gibson said.
“Their partners should also get a medal because they’ve allowed them to work for our Association for that long as a volunteer.
“Congratulations and well done - thank you for your service of the VRA as a valued volunteer.”
Also on hand to recognise the volunteers’ deification were Dubbo MP and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant, Rural Fire Service Chief Superintendent of state operations Peter McKechnie, NSW Ambulance western region director of operations John Stonestreet, and Orana Mid-Western Police District Superintendent Peter McKenna.