QPWS firefighters receive National Emergency Medals
- 156 current and former QPWS staff receive National Emergency Medals for their service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires – the first such recognition for QPWS firefighters.
- QPWS firefighters played key frontline and support roles during the crisis, protecting people, property, and nature across Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
- The National Emergency Medal is one of Australia's most distinguished civilian honours.
The Crisafulli Government has congratulated more than 150 Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) firefighters who received national recognition for their efforts during one of the most devastating bushfire seasons in Australian history.
One hundred and fifty-six National Emergency Medals have been awarded to fire-trained QPWS staff and former staff for their outstanding service during the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires.
The Black Summer bushfires devastated multiple states and territories, with QPWS staff fighting fires across Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT.
The National Emergency Medal is one of Australia's most distinguished civilian honours, awarded to individuals who deliver sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell, met with a number of QPWS awardees at Parliament House this week, and presented them with their medals.
"This marks the first time QPWS rangers have received national recognition in the form of National Emergency Medals," Minister Powell said.
"This is an historic moment that acknowledges the scale and impact of our firefighters' contribution in times of a dire national disaster.
"From August 2019 to January 2020, QPWS rangers answered the call, stepping into danger as part of the firefighting force or within critical Incident Management Teams.
"Many faced life-threatening conditions on the frontline, battling complex and fast-moving bushfires to protect communities, property, and Queensland's irreplaceable natural landscapes and protected species.
"Others played vital supporting roles, keeping operations moving through expert planning, logistics, and administrative support.
"Together, they formed a united front during what was one of Queensland's most severe bushfire seasons on record.
"These medals are a symbol of national gratitude and recognition for our firefighters who went above and beyond in the face of a catastrophic emergency."
Most medal recipients hail from regions hit hard by the fires during the peak of activity in 2019 and January 2020 —southeast and southwest Queensland, and Queensland's coastal and island areas.
"While this recognition is a proud milestone, all QPWS personnel involved in the 2019–2020 bushfire response – and in other disaster events including significant bushfires – deserve our deepest thanks," Minister Powell said.
"Every single contribution helped protect Queenslanders and the environment during a significant natural disaster."
