Community
16 May, 2026
RFS Heroes Honoured
Southern Tablelands NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers have been honoured for decades of service to their communities.
Southern Tablelands NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers have been honoured for decades of service to their communities, with more than 3,500 combined years of dedication recognised across ceremonies in Murrumbateman and Goulburn.
More than 130 medals and citations were presented during the events, including one National Emergency Medal, 17 National Medals and 114 Long Service Medals.
NSW RFS Acting Assistant Commissioner Greg Wardle said volunteers being recognised had collectively contributed more than 3,598 years of service protecting communities across the region.
“With years of service ranging from 10 to almost 70 years, many of these volunteers have devoted a significant portion of their lives to protecting others,” he said.
Among those honoured were nine members recognised for 60 years or more of service, including Terrence Hayes and Alfred “John” Sendall, who were acknowledged for 69 and 68 years respectively.
Mr Wardle said Mr Hayes began his service with the Middle Arm Wayo Brigade and had held a number of leadership roles including Group Captain, Deputy Group Captain and Brigade Captain.
Mr Sendall, who joined the Parkesbourne Brigade in 1956, was recognised for his work on the fireground and within Incident Management Teams.
“The RFS was built on the commitment of people like Terry and John, and it is important we take opportunities like today to recognise the work our members do,” Mr Wardle said.
The ceremonies also included presentation of 24 NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citations recognising volunteers who assisted during the major flood emergencies across the state between 2022 and 2023.
Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and Yass Valley councillor Alvaro Charry were in attendance.
After the event, Cr Jones paid tribute to volunteers across the Southern Tablelands.
“It was an honour to present medals and citations for service in the face of both fire and flood,” she said.
--------------
The Southern Wire Newsletter is now here! Subscribe for free at the link below.
https://subscribe-forms.beehiiv.com/1986abc6-c89e-4781-9db2-cf35c9dd71e4
If you value independent local journalism across the Highlands, Tablelands and Wollondilly, please click the link below to support us as we are paywall free.
Read More: Yass, Murrumbateman, Southern Tablelands