Our Australia Day Award Winners

Citizens of the Year

Rex And Di Farrell

When it became apparent that the Wardell district was going to be severely impacted by flooding last year, Rex – Captain of the Wardell Rural Fire Service – jumped into action.

Two days before the floods hit, Rex organised his team to fill sandbags for local residents, then he assisted in making sure the emergency evacuation centre at the Wardell Sport and Recreation Club was operational.

As water rose and houses became inundated, Rex accompanied local fisherman to rescue people during the night along the Richmond riverbank. This was a dangerous operation as the river was flowing rapidly and full of debris. Despite the danger, Rex assisted with the rescue of 14 people from Keith Hall, bringing them to the evacuation centre in Wardell.

Di, a trained nurse and valued crew member of the Wardell RFS, was also hard at work at the evacuation centre. Di organised donations of food, clothing, bedding, and medicines to be transported from the sports club to the Catholic Church hall and pre-school for sorting and access by those in need. She found residential accommodation for the elderly and people that were too unwell to be comfortable at the evacuation centre. She tended various wounds, cuddled babies, wiped tears, held traumatised residents, coordinated volunteers, and made sure everyone was well and fed.

As Wardell locals since 2009, and Broadwater residents for 15 years before that, Rex and Di’s local knowledge was invaluable throughout the emergency event.

Rex organised a team of 15 fire engines and Rural Fire Service personnel from across NSW to hose out houses. He worked with the army to provide mud maps of farms, road accessibility and population information, to task the army to properties that needed assistance.

In the months following the floods Rex and Di have continued to support their community while also attending to regular duties with the RFS including bush and house fires, and first responders to motor vehicle accidents. Despite their amazing efforts, the couple said their Australia Day award came as a complete surprise.

“The experience of being name Citizen of the Year left us speechless and overwhelmed, we never thought we would be chosen,” said Di.

“We were very humbled in the first place just being nominated and recognised for our work.”

The pair accepted the award on behalf of everyone who participated in the flood response at Wardell.

“Two people on their own cannot achieve much but with an organisation like the RFS, along with the SES, Evans Head Marine Rescue, the ADF and the many volunteers, a huge job was undertaken,” Rex said.

“We’d like to thank those people sincerely and say that this award is for them as well.”

Would you like to join the RFS? To find out more visit rfs.nsw.gov.au/ volunteer

Senior Citizen of the Year

Kerrie Gray

Kerrie Gray

Kerrie has an incredible 40 years of service with the Australian Red Cross, and is the worthy recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Kerrie joined Australia Red Cross in 1981, inspired by the organisation’s seven fundamental principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

Her first “jobs” with Red Cross included welcoming refugees at Sydney Airport and helping children from the Pacific Islands as they arrived in Australia for life-changing craniofacial surgery.

Her work eventually brought her to Wollongbar, where she has lived for the past 25 years.

When fires hit communities in the Clarence, Kyogle and Richmond Valleys in 2019, Kerrie jumped into action, helping to run community shelters and coordinate the recovery effort. She was also on the frontlines with community support during COVID-19.

But her limits were truly tested during last year’s floods. Kerrie worked tirelessly to assist flood-impacted residents in the Northern Rivers, which included coordinating a gift program delivered in partnership with agencies such as GIVIT.

Red Cross Branches and Clubs across NSW fundraised to provide food vouchers for Kerrie and her fellow volunteers to distribute. Some branches made bags and others collected essential items to make up care packs.

“It was very stressful for everyone and for some still is. I got through it with the help of our volunteers, staff, and agencies we normally work with. We're a team in emergencies and we look out for each other,” said Kerrie.

Receiving the accolades on Australia Day was overwhelming, but also a huge honour.

“The fact that the nominations came from my fellow volunteers did make it special. So many people have done wonderful things over this past year. It's difficult to single anyone out,” said Kerrie.

“Red Cross Emergency Services is recruiting for new volunteers now. So even if you can only spend a few hours, please sign up. The rewards are great. We have an eclectic community and I love the diversity.”

For more information visit redcross.org.au/volunteer