More than 70 South West Slopes RFS volunteers were recognised for a combined 2600 years of service at Cunningar. The ceremony held special significance for the family of John McGrath, who accepted an award recognising his extraordinary 74 years of service following his death earlier this year. Pictured from left: RFS Assistant Commissioner Dr Leigh Pilkington, Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram with Tim McGrath, Helen McGrath, Leanne Parkman, Thomas McGrath, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and RFS South West Slopes Zone district manager, Superintendent Andrew Dillon. Photo: Bernadette McGrath.
When John McGrath began fighting fires around Boorowa, local brigades relied on private farm units and neighbours answering the call for help.
By the time of his death in March, aged 89, Mr McGrath had given an extraordinary 74 years of service to his local brigades.
Over those decades, rural firefighting changed enormously, from private farm units, manual telephone exchanges and early UHF radios to modern trucks, aircraft and digital communication systems.
On Saturday, his family accepted a Long Service Medal and sixth clasp on his behalf at a ceremony recognising more than 70 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers from across the South West Slopes.
Mr McGrath, the longest-serving member honoured at the South West Slopes Fire Control Centre at Cunningar, served with the Boorowa Support and Boorowa Hughstonia brigades.
Together, the recipients represented more than 2600 years of service to their brigades and communities.
Fifteen had each served for at least half a century, including five who had contributed 60 years or more.
RFS Assistant Commissioner Dr Leigh Pilkington presented National Medals and Long Service Medals at the ceremony.
A former brigade captain, Mr McGrath fought fires alongside his son Tim, who learnt from his father’s decades of experience.
Tim, who was present at the ceremony, has served as captain of the Boorowa Hughstonia Brigade for the past 20 years, continuing a family commitment spanning generations.
The late Roger Allen was also recognised posthumously for 66 years of service with the Bendick Murrell and Crowther brigades.
Another Bendick Murrell Brigade member, James Williams, was honoured for 67 years of service, including almost 20 years as captain.
William Kelly was recognised for 62 years with the Rugby and Taylors Flat brigades.
A founding member of the Taylors Flat Brigade in 1975, Mr Kelly remembers the manual Boorowa telephone exchange being used to pass fire information and updates to local residents.
Wootoona Brigade member Richard Thackeray began firefighting from the back of his family’s 1952 Ford truck, fitted with a 500-gallon water tank.
He was recognised for 58 years of service, including an exceptional 43 years as brigade captain.
Alan Mattiske was another of the longest-serving volunteers honoured, receiving a Long Service Medal for 60 years with the Stockinbingal and Narraburra brigades.
Mr Mattiske served as deputy captain and captain before spending 20 years as group captain.
Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram, who attended the ceremony, said it was an important opportunity to acknowledge volunteers who put themselves at risk to keep their communities safe.
“We thank him and all his fellow recipients for their service to our communities,” Cr Ingram said of Mr Mattiske.
Dr Pilkington said the medals recognised the many hours volunteers had spent responding to incidents, supporting fellow members and protecting communities across the South West Slopes and beyond.
He also acknowledged the families who had supported them throughout their service.
“I congratulate every recipient and thank them and their families for the extraordinary contribution they have made to the RFS and communities across NSW,” he said.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
