Celebrating Queensland's everyday heroes
28 January 2025
5
min read
The recent California bushfires are a stark reminder of how fires can push people to their limits, but also how they bring out the best in us.
People like 80-year-old rural firefighter Kevin Harney and his daughter Tracy from Cungulla, south of Townsville, in Queensland.
They’re representative of the best of our communities, showing endeavour and resilience in the face of adversity. When disaster strikes they’re the people stepping in to help.
Kevin and Tracy are among the 81 inspiring Queenslanders celebrated for their outstanding service in the Queensland Fire Department Australia Day Achievement Awards, proudly sponsored by Australian Retirement Trust (ART).
We have highlighted the efforts and dedication of staff and volunteers, like the Harneys, from the Cungulla Rural Fire Brigade, for 17 years.
I think it’s in our blood. The whole family is very community minded,” Kevin said.
A sense of duty seems to run in the family. Kevin is First Officer at his Rural Fire Brigade and Tracy is Secretary.
“Father, daughter, even my wife is a support member for the brigade. She feeds us on fire days. The main thing is we’re here for the community, we’re here for any emergency responses,” Kevin said.
They hope this award will help them attract much-needed recruits and reignite the passion of service for community – for their family, friends, and neighbours.
ART’s Chief Member Experience Officer, Simonne Burnett, said Kevin and Tracy represent everything positive about community service.
“We’re proud to support the recognition of the individuals who are giving their time and expertise to serve, protect, and care for their fellow Queenslanders in times of crisis or emergency,” she said.
“I congratulate all award recipients, QFD staff, and volunteers across Queensland for their outstanding and selfless contributions throughout the communities where our members live and work.”
QFD Commissioner, Steve Smith, said that the selflessness of QFD staff and volunteers is what keeps Queensland’s remote and regional communities safe.
“The recipients in this year’s awards are just a small sample of the inspiring individuals who are the lifeblood of QFD. They are often the first call when there’s a fire, crash or rescue emergency and they do it all purely because they want to help,” he said.
“We sincerely thank Australian Retirement Trust for its continued support, which ensures recognition for our fantastic staff and volunteers.”
Others recognised include:
Arthur Brennan
Former police sergeant Arthur 'Bill' Brennan is service and leadership in action. During the Darling Downs fire season, Bill tackled at least 10 major incidents, many lasting for days.
Bill risked his life time and again to save families and properties. His mix of police and fire skills makes him a great mentor for younger team members.
Geoffrey Kirkup
Geoff has been recognised for outstanding service as a Volunteer Area Training Officer in the Bundaberg area. He volunteers hundreds of hours in training above what he spends on normal brigade duties. He is known for his experience, technical knowledge, leadership and mentorship.
Elliot Burton
As more people opt for electric vehicles (EVs), greater information is needed to understand their emerging fire risk. Elliot, based in Greater Brisbane, has become a content expert in the field of EVs and lithium batteries. He spends time sharing this knowledge with the rest of the workforce and the media.
Timothy Davis and Chris McMaster
Timothy and Chris created the first Youth Pilot Program for Moranbah. Developed with the PCYC, it develops fundamental life skills for 12 to 16-year-olds. The emergency volunteer workforce in the Isaac region is ageing and the program is designed to increase the number of young people joining this workforce.
Vincent Schrieber
Whether responding to fires, managing emergencies, or participating in community engagements Vincent serves as a role model as the First Officer in the Yarrabah Rural Fire Brigade. His commitment was highlighted during the recovery from the post-tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding, where he was key in restoring safety and stability to the community.
Jesse Radatti
Despite having damage to his own property in the Christmas and New Year storms in 2023-24, Jesse went out every day to help the community. As part of the Birnam Rural Fire Brigade, he was mapping and chopping with a chainsaw to make sure locals could get in and out of their properties.