IT’S NEVER too late to say thanks for a job well done and so it was timely for four fire-fighters from the Canungra Auxiliary Fire and Rescue station to be handed National Emergency Medals at the recent 2025 Australia Day awards.
The medals recognised their outstanding efforts during the 2019-2020 fire emergency.
Stuart Spalding, Justin Willis and Norm Graham were all on hand to have the prestigious medal pinned on their chest at Beenleigh PCYC on January 24.
While Will Mahony also received the medal he was unable to attend the ceremony.
Stuart has been a member of the Canungra station since 2004 and has been auxiliary captain since 2019.
“I have vivid memories of the fire emergency we faced in 2019-2020 and the threat it posed to Canungra and surrounding areas,” Stuart said.
“”We experienced high winds, low humidity, spot fires and there was a high amount of fuel on the ground which meant we went to a Level Five operational alert.
“That meant for many days we were camped at the station ready to spring into action.
“The officers at Canungra operated like a well oiled machine and I couldn’t have been prouder of their professionalism and dedication,” he said.
Stuart said receiving the National Emergency Medal was an honour which they will all cherish and a fitting recognition for the entire team at Canungra.The national medal is awarded to a person who has rendered sustained or significant service during times of major emergencies.
The 2019-2020 fires that swept the area were declared a significant emergency by the government in December 2020.
