NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation
The NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation is an award issued by the Premier of New South Wales for emergency service in the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season in New South Wales.
Institution
Between June 2019 and May 2020, firefighters from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue New South Wales responded to 11,264 fires across the state – with the loss of 6 personnel.[1] Additionally, personnel from the State Emergency Service, New South Wales Police Force, Marine Rescue NSW and the Australian Defence Force provided extensive support to state-wide firefighting operations.[2]
On 20 September 2020, Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott announced the creation of a NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation in formal recognition of their efforts.[2]
Criteria
The NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation is awarded to the personnel of relevant agencies for service of one day or more during the fire season.
Description
Awarded alongside a letter from the Premier, and a certificate co-signed by Shane Fitzsimmons – the citation consists of a rectangular silver framed navy-blue bar, inscribed with the years of the season, and featuring both a red stripe to signify the bushfire event, and the Waratah State Flower.[3]
Order of Wear
Awarded by the Government of New South Wales, the Citation is independent of the Australian honours and awards system, and to be worn on the right-hand side separately from Federal awards and decorations such as the National Emergency Medal.[4]
References
- "Australia weather: How much rain did it take to put out NSW fires?". BBC News. 2020-02-14. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
- News, Mirage (2020-09-20). "Bushfire responders awarded for heroism | Mirage News". www.miragenews.com. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
- "Bushfire responders awarded for heroism | NSW Government". www.nsw.gov.au. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2020-09-23.
- Internal Bravery and Service Awards. New South Wales Rural Fire Service. 2020.