A group of Victorian emergency service members have been recognised for their service on the 2016 Australia Day Honours List.
Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett said ten recipients from the MFB, CFA, VICSES and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) were recognised by Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove for distinguished service in fire and emergency services.
Ms Garrett said the Australian Fire Service Medal and the Emergency Service Medal were among the highest honours Australian firefighters and emergency services members could receive.
Peter Bishop, a CFA volunteer and former board member, was among the list of this year’s Australian Fire Service Medal recipients. Peter was honoured for 52 years of service and commended for his work with the Mildura Junior Brigade and Brigade Discipline Squad.
Emergency Services Medal recipient Kevin Poile was also honoured for 22 years of volunteer service with the Victorian SES. Kevin has led pilots for the original StormSmart and FloodSmart programs, as well various cultural and linguistically diverse initiatives. Kevin continues to mentor new and existing members.
For the full Australia Day Honours List, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett
“Congratulations to all the medal recipients for their significant achievements and long-spanning careers in fire-fighting and emergency services.”
“The medals are a public recognition for exemplary service, professionalism and dedication to keeping Victorian communities safe.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville
“I commend all of the recipients who play a vital role in creating a safer and more resilient state, and thank them for their diligent and dedicated service to the Victorian community.”
Recipients:
Rick Owen, CFA – Australian Fire Service Medal
John Haynes, CFA – Australian Fire Service Medal
Peter Bishop, CFA – Australian Fire Service Medal
Colin Squires, CFA – Australian Fire Service Medal
Colin Booth, CFA – Australian Fire Service Medal
Darryl Wagstaff, CFA – Australian Fire Service Medal
Graham Healy, CFA – Australian Fire Service Medal
Ken Brown, MFB – Australian Fire Service Medal
Prue Daley, DELWP – Australian Fire Service Medal
Kevin Poile, VICSES – Emergency Service Medal
Reviewed 19 August 2020