Awards 2025
NEWSTEAD CAPTAIN RECEIVES CFA’s HIGHEST HONOUR
On the night of 24th May 2025, the Newstead Fire Brigade held their Annual Awards night. It was a great night attended by some 70 people, including most of the brigade’s operational and support members and their families.
Well known to nearly everyone in town, Doug Richardson has been an integral part of the Newstead CFA for over 45 years and has been the Captain of the brigade for nearly 40 of those years; a feat not matched by many. He has seen significant change in the brigade not only in membership, but equipment, buildings, vehicles, tactics and techniques during his many years of service. Not only that, but he has also seen his fair share of major fire events, road accidents, grass fires, floods and anything else you can think of to which the CFA responds.
This year, Doug was awarded the CFA Outstanding Service Medal, the highest award in the CFA system, outside of valour awards. It is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated so many years to the protection of life and property to the community of Newstead and surrounding districts.
This year, the brigade instituted their own awards to recognise the special efforts of some of our members.
Scott Chaney was awarded the inaugural Rookie of the Year award in recognition of his enthusiasm and commitment to developing his fire-fighting skills since joining the brigade.
Chris Simmins was awarded the Captain’s Award and was also presented with the Simmins Family Memorial Plaque in honour of his family being the driving force behind the brigade’s support of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal.
The “Russell Hodges” Memorial Shield for Brigade member of the year was awarded to Ron Archer. This award is in recognition of our late friend Russell Hodges who passed away suddenly only two years ago. During his time in the brigade, Russell became a highly valued member who was always around and could always be relied upon for just about anything. This award is named in his honour, and it is only fitting that Ron Archer, be the inaugural winner. Ron is one of our most reliable members, always on hand when the pager goes off and doing sterling work in running the Newstead Community Market.
CFA Service Awards are presented to a member after 5 years of service, with subsequent medals being awarded for 10 years and every 5 years after that. On this occasion, there were 13 members who received awards ranging from 10 years, right up to 45 years of service, including three CFA Life Members. Notably, four members of the former ladies’ auxiliary; Bev Richardson, Joan Sartori, Lorraine Burgess and Carmel Longmire, were recognised for their unwavering support of the brigade by receiving their 45-year service medals.
The National Medal recognises prolonged exposure to hazardous circumstances in the service of the community. A medal is awarded after 15 years’ service, with a clasp for each additional 10 years, for a maximum of 45 years. This year, saw seventeen members of the brigade presented with this honour, including Don Hepburn who was recognised for his 45+ years of service to the Newstead community.
All in all, a great night was had by all who attended with some coming from interstate to share in the event.
On behalf of the members of the Newstead Fire Brigade we would like to congratulate Doug Richardson and all the members who received awards and on behalf of the community, thank you for your service to Newstead and surrounding districts.
