STATEWIDE NEWS
Australia Day 2020 Honours PETER SHAW
the specialist roles they could take on that would enhance the operational capability of the group, and he was influential in ensuring a strong working relationship with MFB in delivering high-quality service to their shared community.
Peter has been a CFA volunteer since 1974 and is currently a member of The Basin Fire Brigade and Group Officer for Knox Fire Brigades Group. His record of service, experience and achievements makes him one of the state’s elite in fire and emergency management.
In his capacity as Knox Group Officer, Peter has made innovative changes that have improved operational capabilities, increased readiness and shortened strike team response during critical periods.
Peter, pictured at the Bairnsdale Incident Control Centre, is a CFA life member and received a National Emergency Medal for his role in the 2009 bushfires. An exceptional leader throughout his career in Victoria Police and work with CFA, Peter has developed critical experience in emergency and incident management, major collision investigation and protective security. He is a Level 3 Incident Controller and has distinguished himself by demonstrating outstanding operational ability to manage incidents effectively.
beyond what’s expected. He’s passionate about improving service to the community.
Peter is also known for his ability to inspire others and his willingness to go well
While captain of Bayswater brigade, Peter encouraged his members to think about
GEORGE O’DWYER
members in Wye River on Christmas Day 2015, supporting evacuation, relief and early recovery.
George O’Dwyer is a CFA volunteer and Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) employee, and a testament to the strength of emergency services working together for the benefit of the community. He has been a CFA volunteer firefighter with Barongarook West Fire Brigade since 1995 and worked for the past 14 years for DELWP. He has carried out the role of public information officer (PIO) in incident management teams since the roles were established after the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. He was the first Victorian officer to achieve the incident management team level 3 PIO status. Since 2005 he has been at the forefront of leading change in Victoria and has actively provided support across CFA, DELWP and Victoria State Emergency Service to build capability in community engagement, warnings and advice, and public information. He has played significant roles in community fire recovery including after the 2005 Mt Lubra fire and the 2009 Victorian bushfires. He demonstrated outstanding leadership, working with community
Congratulations to the two CFA members who received the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for their work in emergency services.
He is currently serving his second term as a volunteer member of CFA’s Board, which recognises his standing among CFA’s volunteer community and his commitment to the future of CFA, the emergency management sector and the Victorian community.
Peter said he was honoured to have been nominated and considered worthy to be put up for the award. “It is fantastic to be part of an organisation that has the ability, often at very short notice, to rally from across the state to support each other and the communities of not only Victoria but across Australia,” Peter said. “My appointment to the Board has been a significant highlight of my time at CFA, providing me with the ability to have a role in taking this great organisation forward.”
“I’m extremely humbled by the thought of being nominated for the Australian Fire Service Medal and more so for receiving this prodigious award,” he said. “The AFSM is a great honour and I wish to give my respects to my fellow firefighters for their commitment to communities, whether it’s on the fireline or as part of an incident management team. “In accepting this award, I also acknowledge the personal hardship caused through physical demands and mental anguish associated with a bushfire reality, understanding that impacts are endured by many people including firefighters, who never forget, are always reminded, and who just learn to cope at best. This award has much meaning for me personally and professionally. “What keeps me going are the many relationships I’ve developed as part of my CFA and FFMV experiences. These relationships remind me to maintain a clear focus on community aspirations towards safer and stronger communities, with the hope that people will make good decisions because they trust the relationship.”
31
