Legislative Council Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2) 51 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Country Fire Service COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY Legislative Council COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:33): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Emergency Services a question about the recognition of service to the community by volunteer firefighters. Leave granted. The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY Legislative Council The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: There have been two significant events recently in Country Fire Service Region 2. I noticed that during National Volunteers' Week the minister presented CFS volunteers in Region 2 with national medals and clasps. Will the minister provide the council with some information about this recognition of service, and what I understand was a recent significant event for the Balaklava CFS Brigade, which is also in Region 2? The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO Legislative Council Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:34): I was delighted to be asked to present national service medals and clasps to 62 Country Fire Service volunteers from Region 2 on Friday 16 May. I was privileged to be involved in a similar presentation to volunteers in the region in 2006. The evening provided an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievement by volunteers in the region, and for their families and friends to celebrate this achievement. Sadly, three volunteers received their national medals posthumously. I make special mention of Robert Buttery, Frank Hollands and Reginald Stewart and their families. One member received the first, second and third clasps, representing more than 45 years of service: Brian Mendadue of the Salisbury brigade. Seven members received their second clasp, representing more than 35 years of service, and 22 members received their first clasp, representing more than 25 years of service. I am told that award recipients collectively have committed over 900 years of service to community safety. The national medal is a commonwealth medal presented to members of organisations that protect life and property at some risk to themselves. It recognises long and diligent service after 15 years with an organisation. Clasps are added for every additional 10 years service. This is one of the formal ways we acknowledge the dedication of emergency service volunteers. The presentation of the annual South Australian Emergency Service medals and ministerial commendations will be held in November, for which nominations are currently being called. Our emergency services cadets were in attendance that evening, assisting with the smooth running of the function. I thank them and all others involved in the organisation of the evening. I also briefly mention that on Sunday 25 May members of the Balaklava CFS brigade celebrated the brigade's 60th anniversary, with family, friends and key members of the community. This is a vibrant brigade of 32 members under the leadership of Captain Kevin Julyan. The brigade responds to an average of 63 call-outs a year, in its Hino 24 and Isuzu 24 Pumper. I congratulate brigade members for their dedication and trust the cadets of its brigade will continue with the brigade to see it reach its next milestone.