- The Crisafulli Government is recognising the dedication of its volunteer firefighters during Rural Fire Service Queensland Week 2026 with celebrations and events across Queensland.
- State Volunteer, Young Volunteer and Brigade of the Year winners have been recognised for their outstanding service to Queensland communities.
- More than a dozen new firefighting vehicles will be handed over during RFSQ Week, building on significant Rural Fire Service Queensland investments in the 2026-27 Crisafulli Government State Budget.
The Crisafulli Government is celebrating the contribution of Queensland's volunteer firefighters as Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Week 2026 officially begins.
RFSQ Week recognises the dedication of more than 27,000 volunteers across Queensland who help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
During Labor's decade of decline, Queensland's hardworking volunteers were taken for granted, with firefighter numbers falling drastically by 7,000 as the former Labor Government failed to give frontline emergency services the investment and support they deserved.
The Crisafulli Government is turning this around by backing our volunteers who put their lives on the line to protect Queenslanders, delivering the modern infrastructure, vehicles and support they need to keep our communities safe.
The 2026-27 State Budget delivers funding for replacement and new rural fire trucks, new and upgraded brigade stations, operational equipment and facility upgrades to strengthen Rural Fire Service Queensland capability across the State.
Throughout RFSQ Week, more than a dozen new firefighting vehicles will be handed over to brigades, building on the delivery of more than 100 new appliances to Queensland volunteers last financial year.
Max Pearce, from the North Dallarnil Rural Fire Brigade in the North Burnett region, has been named the RFSQ State Volunteer of the Year. Max is being honoured for 47 years of dedicated service, including his foundational role in establishing the North Dallarnil brigade and his consistent leadership in emergency response and community resilience.
The State Young Volunteer of the Year award has been presented to Keira Danziger of the Round Mountain Rural Fire Brigade. Keira has demonstrated inspirational commitment to her brigade and local community, consistently upholding the Queensland Fire Department's core values of loyalty, trust, respect, integrity, and courage. Her actions set a gold standard for the next generation of Queensland's volunteer firefighters.
The Stanwell Rural Fire Brigade, serving the Rockhampton region, has been recognised as the State Brigade of the Year. This award celebrates their outstanding dedication to both frontline emergency response and overall disaster preparedness, exemplifying the teamwork and community spirit that keep Queensland's brigades operating at their best.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said RFSQ Week was an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution volunteer firefighters make to communities across Queensland and thank them for their service.
"Our volunteer firefighters are there when Queenslanders need them most, giving their time to help protect lives, property and communities across the State," Minister Leahy said.
"The Crisafulli Government is backing our volunteer firefighters with the new trucks, new brigade stations, upgraded facilities and equipment they need to respond safely and effectively.
"This year alone, more than a dozen new firefighting vehicles will be handed over during RFSQ Week, building on the delivery of more than 100 new appliances to brigades across Queensland last financial year.
"Congratulations to Max Pearce, Keira Danziger, the Stanwell Rural Fire Brigade and all rural fire volunteers being recognised this week for their outstanding dedication, leadership and service to Queensland communities."
Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith also commended the dedication of RFSQ volunteers, noting their contributions extend far beyond emergency response.
"The work of our RFSQ volunteers is truly outstanding. They are not only protecting life and property during emergencies but also turning up to training nights, preparedness meetings and community events," said Commissioner Smith.
"They are the friendly faces their neighbours can count on to help them stay informed, prepared and educated."
Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Officer Kaylene Jones highlighted the importance of recognising the service's award recipients, who embody the values of selflessness, dedication, and resilience.
"Our award recipients reflect the very best of the service and set the tone for their peers to follow," said Chief Officer Jones.
"They help us maintain a strong organisation that can continue to be there for the people of Queensland in some of their most challenging times.
"RFSQ Week is time for all of us to say thanks to our volunteers, and I encourage all Queenslanders to take that opportunity this week."
RFSQ Week was officially opened by Minister for Fire Ann Leahy at the Yuleba Rural Fire Brigade.
