Dozens of Ballina Shire Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers have today been recognised for their outstanding service at a special medal presentation for those serving the Far North Coast.

The event, held Ocean Shores Country Club, brought together members from across the district to celebrate the commitment and achievements of long-serving volunteers.

Years of Dedication

In total, seven National Medals and 24 Long Service Medals were awarded, acknowledging more than 750 combined years of service to the community.

Ballina Shire was particularly well represented, with members from the Alstonville/Wollongbar, Wardell, Newrybar, and Lennox Head brigades among those honoured.

The National Medal recognises 15 years of diligent service, with additional clasps awarded for each subsequent decade.

Ballina Shire Recipients

• Corey Gray – Alstonville/Wollongbar Brigade: Awarded the National Medal for 20 years of service. Corey joined as a teenager in 2005 and rose to Senior Deputy Captain, playing key roles in major incidents from the Clarence Valley fires to the 2022 Northern Rivers floods.
  
• Patrick Higgins – Alstonville/Wollongbar Brigade: Honoured with the National Medal and 1st Clasp for 28 years’ service. Patrick began in the Blue Mountains before moving north, and is now Brigade Captain, known for leadership during the Lennox Head tornado and deployments interstate.
  
• Malcolm Johnson – Alstonville/Wollongbar Brigade: Presented with the National Medal, 1st and 2nd Clasps, and Long Service Medal 2nd Clasp for an extraordinary 37 years of service. Malcolm co-founded the brigade in 1995 and has been central to training and community fundraising, including the popular cadet program and annual plant sales.
  
• Ricky Dalli – Newrybar Brigade: Recognised for more than 40 years’ service with the National Medal, 1st and 2nd Clasps. Ricky has mentored countless recruits and responded to major fires across NSW and interstate.
  
• Jo-Anne (Jo) Heber – Wardell Brigade: Received the National Medal 2nd Clasp for 38 years’ service. Jo’s calm leadership has guided crews through critical emergencies, from the 2003 Canberra fires to the Rappville disaster.
  
• Long Service Medals also went to many other dedicated members across the district, including Geoffrey White (Lennox Head) and Darren Bailey (Newrybar), each marking 40 years of commitment.

A Region Built on Volunteers

The Far North Coast RFS District encompasses 22 brigades, 734 members, and a fleet of 57 firefighting and support vehicles. Covering 2,337 square kilometres and a population of around 180,000, the district is one of the most active in the state, balancing urban interface challenges, farming communities, and vast areas of bushland.

Its members are renowned for stepping up in times of crisis, both locally and beyond. Crews have been deployed to devastating events including the 2019–20 Black Summer fires, major floods in Queensland and NSW, and the 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

Recognition of Service

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, who delivered the opening address at the presentation,  said the awards recognise not just the years but the quality of service. 

“On behalf of Ballina Shire Council and the entire community I want to express our gratitude. 

“The awards are about recognising the depth of skill, dedication and heart that sits within the RFS family from the youngest recruits to the seasoned veterans, every single member contributing to the safety of our shire and beyond. 

“What makes our far North Coast chain team stand out is not only because of their local dedication, but also the willingness to serve further afield supporting other agencies and communities when needed.

“ A generosity of spirit we should all be proud of,” she said.