Sixteen emergency services personnel from NSW have been recognised on the Australia Day 2025 Honours List for their service to the community during times of crisis.
The Australian Fire Service Medal was awarded to eleven recipients representing Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).
The Emergency Services Medal was awarded to five recipients representing the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLS NSW), and VRA Rescue NSW.
Medal recipients are announced twice a year as part of the Australia Day and the Kings Birthday Honours Lists, recognising the dedication, bravery, and leadership of emergency services personnel to keeping our communities safe.
Australian Fire Service Medal recipients
- Mr Gregory Reuben Houston, FRNSW
- Mr Samuel James Parkhouse, FRNSW
- Mr Garry James Reardon, FRNSW
- Mr Samuel Stuart Clark AM, NSW RFS
- Ms Robyn Leslie Reynolds, NSW RFS
- Ms Jennifer Ann Farrell, NSW RFS
- Mr Scott Alexander Campbell, NSW RFS
- Mr Wayne Robert Keel, NSW RFS
- Mr Anthony Clough, NSW RFS
- Mr John Duncan Hedley, NSW RFS
- Mr Robert James Conroy, NSW RFS
Emergency Services Medal recipients
- Mrs Christine Speer, NSW SES
- Mr Anthony Gerard Battam, NSW SES
- Mr Michael Anthony Wasley, SLS NSW
- Mrs Julie Wilcox, SLS NSW
- Mr Daniel John van Keimpema, VRA Rescue NSW
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“I’m thrilled to see so many of our outstanding emergency services personnel recognised on the Australia Day Honours List. Their service is a testament to the very best of our state and we’re proud to honour their achievements.
“From bushfires to floods, surf rescues and storms – our emergency services workers go above and beyond to protect the people of NSW and demonstrate exceptional bravery, compassion, and commitment.
“The Australian Fire Service Medal and the Emergency Service Medal is a well-deserved recognition of their tireless efforts to keeping our communities safe.”