Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
This Australia Day, five highly regarded CFA members have been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), in recognition of their outstanding service to CFA and their communities.
The AFSM is the highest award for a member of an Australian fire service which is awarded to a select group of dedicated fire service members as part of the Australia Day honours.
The five members have been recognised for their exceptional bravery, expertise, and leadership, leading their regions through major emergencies such as Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday, the 2019/20 bushfire season, and ongoing 2025/26 season all while advocating for modern and innovative development across CFA’s fleet, training, recruitment and equipment to enhance capabilities.
The 2026 CFA Australian Fire Service Medal recipients are:
Emma Conway embodies the highest standards of service, integrity and leadership. With an impressive 21-year career at CFA, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication as both a volunteer and a career firefighter. Her exceptional leadership during major emergencies, strong commitment to volunteer and workforce development, and passionate advocacy for inclusion and diversity set her apart as a remarkable role model.
Brendan Blake has dedicated more than 54 years to CFA, serving in key leadership roles across multiple brigades, notably during major fires including Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday and the 2019/20 bushfires, to pioneering the design of modern fire trucks. A strong advocate for leadership development, Brendan has mentored countless firefighters, promoted female recruitment and championed succession planning.
As a volunteer for more than 40 years, holding several frontline roles, Garth Johnson now primarily serves at Langwarrin as the 1st Lieutenant. Garth helped develop the state’s first Rescue Unit and improved Road Rescue training. Passionate about mental health, he now shares his personal experience to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help, making a significant impact on fellow firefighters.
Kelvin Bateman’s contributions to CFA have spanned over 46 years, serving as Captain of the Dunrobin–Nangeela Brigade for 32 years and holding various roles in the VFBV, including Board member. As 2nd Deputy Group Officer of the Casterton Group, he is held in high regard for his integrity, fair approach and leadership, and many volunteers turn to him for support in times of need.
Gavin Parker began his service with the CFA as a volunteer in 1976 and transitioned to a career firefighter in 1995. Over nearly five decades he has held key leadership roles, most in the Latrobe Valley and South East Region, and during the 2009 Black Saturday and 2019/20 bushfires. Gavin has made a lasting impact through innovation, pioneering thermal imaging technology and developing training drills, work that has earned him international recognition.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan congratulated the five highly respected CFA AFSM recipients for their admirable achievements and invaluable service to CFA and the Victorian community.
“CFA is incredibly proud of its volunteers and staff, and it is great to see our members recognised with the highest fire service medal in the country,” Jason said.
“We are fortunate as an organisation to have so many incredible people who devote a large part of their life to the protection of lives and property in their communities, and I thank them for their dedication.”
CFA would also like to recognise AFSM recipient and Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Graham Kirk, who has also contributed significantly to CFA and Victoria’s fire services.
Another eight former and current CFA members were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), Elizabeth Bate, Beverley Edwards, Ian Kellett, Major Neil Leckie, Geoffrey Penny, Graeme Robb, Gordon Simpson and Christine Welsh.
| Submitted by | CFA media |
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