Red Cross members receive honours for bushfire work

Special citations from the NSW Government are being handed out to more than 600 Red Cross staff and volunteers for their tireless work during last summer’s bushfires.

The NSW Bushfire Emergency Citation was announced by the NSW Government to thank thousands of people who both fought the fires and supported communities behind the scenes.

The citations are being awarded to 636 Red Cross volunteers and staff, with presentation ceremonies being held in 13 locations over the next three weeks.

Poppy Brown, Australian Red Cross NSW & ACT Director, who has been in the NSW South Coast this week to present certificates and letters from the NSW Premier, said:

“These citations recognise the incredible and tireless work of our local staff and volunteers, including those who continued to help their communities when their own homes were affected during last summer’s bushfires.

“The stories of selflessness and sacrifice that I have been hearing during these presentations have been inspiring. Red Cross can’t thank its volunteers and staff enough for their tremendous dedication.”

More than 65,000 people across NSW are being recognised with the new citation, announced in September.

Red Cross remains committed to helping communities impacted by last summer’s bushfires now and in the years to come.

Our Recovery Officers and volunteers remain on the ground, providing grants to nearly 5,700 people and more than 12,600 others, in 46 regions in four states, by providing psychosocial support and assistance as their communities recover.

Further information about our bushfire response can be found at redcross.org.au/bushfirereport

For media inquiries, or more information, contact 1800 733 443 or media@redcross.org.au