A Leopold woman has received a National Emergency Medal for her service to the community during the 2019/2020 bushfires.
Leopold Fire Bridgae member Kate Conway worked at Country Fire Authority’s headquarters in Burwood during the major fire event that broke out across Victoria and New South Wales.
Ms Conway also filled support roles in the State Control Centre and Incident Control Centre in Northern Victoria. She said she was “pretty chuffed” and “really proud” to receive the award.
“It’s (the fire event) opened up a range of different skill sets and knowledge groups that I didn’t know I had and it’s a huge part of my life now,” she said.
“I really like the opportunity to do something that not everyone else gets to do and simultaneously help your community at the same time.
“The continuous trust and acknowledgement from the community is what makes me feel the proudest. The medal is a nice thing to receive, but I didn’t do it thinking I could get one.”
Ms Conway said emergency services were an important part of her life as she also worked as a paramedic for Ambulance Victoria in regional Western Victoria.
“What I like most about working with the Leopold Fire Bridge is how dynamic it is, all the different skills that you get to learn and the people you can do it with,” she said.
“For complete strangers to call this generic number for help, and you’re the one that ends up delivering that help and to be trusted by a community to do the right thing, is a really big honour.”
Jena Carr
