MORE than six decades of continuous service as a volunteer firefighter have earned Graeme Astbury a rare Country Fire Authority honour.
The Kerang Fire Brigade volunteer was presented with the Outstanding Service Medal by CFA deputy chief officer, Alen Slijepcevic at the brigade’s awards dinner.
He has volunteered as a firefighter for 63 years, first at Macorna, then at Kerang, where he still responds to fire calls and continues to assist his colleagues at the fire station.
Mr Astbury’s wife, Thelma, was presented with a 55-year service medal by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria representative, Rob Waterson.
Mr Astbury is already a CFA and brigade life member, a recipient of the National Medal, the Gold Star, which is presented by the VFBV, and the 60-year service clasp.
DCO Slijepcevic said that the Outstanding Service Medal recognises prolonged service distinguished by exceptional performance.
“It’s the CFA’s most prestigious internal award outside the valour and bravery listings,” he said.
Mr Astbury accepted his medal to rapturous applause from his colleagues, friends and visitors.
“I thought when I received my 60-year badge that that was the end of it,” he said.
“I’m still trying to do as much as I can. As I have said before, I believe the fire brigade is one of the best community services there is and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
10-YEAR MEDAL: Henry Gordon, James Murphy, Judy Smith, Brooke Williams, Paul Webb [posthumous].
35-YEAR CLASP: Greg Murphy.
45-YEAR CLASP: Dennis Greenwood, Peter Greenwood, Stewart Wilkins, Ian Wilkinson.
FIRST-YEAR FIREFIGHTER: Judy Smith [2014], Gerry O’Donoghue [2015].
CHAMPION FIREFIGHTER: Rob Walsh [2014], Judy Smith [2015].
30-YEAR CLASP and CFA LIFE MEMBERSHIP: John Rumbold.
GOLD STAR: John Rumbold.
NATIONAL MEDAL: Clare Murphy.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDAL: Clare Murphy.
CFA OUTSTANDING SERVICE MEDAL: Graeme Astbury.
Ladies auxiliary awards:
25-YEAR MEDAL: Clare Murphy.
35-YEAR MEDAL: Julie Wilkinson.
40-YEAR MEDAL: Tops Greenwood, Glenda Walsh.
55-YEAR MEDAL: Thelma Astbury.
