– Monday 30 November, 2020
Red Cross volunteers receive honours for bushfire work
Special citations from the NSW Government have been given to more than 100 Red Cross staff and volunteers from the Mid North Coast for their tireless work during last summer’s bushfires.
The NSW Bushfire Emergency Citation was announced by the NSW Government to thank thousands of people who both fought the fires and supported communities behind the scenes.
The citations are being awarded to 636 Red Cross volunteers and staff, with about 40 receiving theirs at a presentation ceremony in Coffs Harbour today (Monday). More than 60 others from the region have also received citations.
Poppy Brown, Australian Red Cross NSW & ACT Director, who was at today’s presentation, said:
“These citations recognise the incredible and tireless work of our local staff and volunteers, including those who continued to help their communities when their own homes were affected during last summer’s bushfires.
“The stories of selflessness and sacrifice that I have been hearing have been inspiring. Red Cross can’t thank its volunteers and staff enough for their tremendous dedication.”
Local MP and NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey attended the presentation, along with Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight and Nambucca Heads Mayor Rhonda Hoban.
More than 65,000 people across NSW are being recognised with the new citation, which was announced in September.
Red Cross remains committed to helping communities impacted by last summer’s bushfires now and in the years to come.
Our Recovery Officers and volunteers remain on the ground, providing grants to nearly 5,700 people and helping more than 12,600 others, in 46 regions in four states, by providing psychosocial support and assistance as their communities recover.