RFSA Honours New Life Members
RFSA Life Members Steve Jones and Vern Dunning
The Association was pleased to announce the 2018 Honours and Awards recipients at a presentation ceremony conducted 29 June 2019.
RFSA Life Membership was awarded to:
Steve Jones
Vern Dunning
Steve Jones has been an active member of the Association since its inception over twenty years ago and consistently displays the highest level of excellence in RFSA participation and has made exceptional contributions to the Association’s programs and projects.
He regularly attends Lower Hunter Branch and Division 3 meetings giving valid input, and meticulously ensuring that any policy frameworks that have been identified as representing key issues that have operational or strategic importance to the future of the Rural Fire Service in NSW, have been presented, discussed and commented on by fellow members.
As a member of the Infrastructure Consultative Committee, he has consistently provided two-way feedback to ensure the most effective means of directly influencing such things as legislation, fire service structure, brigade funding, training, health and safety, and equipment standards that have been advocated and supported by the RFSA as a whole.
Leading by example, Steve is well respected throughout the RFSA and one only has to read his commentary and reports to either Branch or Division meetings to see his determination in ensuring the RFSA continues to grow, prosper and be an ever improving organisation.
Whether it is a Branch meeting, Division meeting or State Council, Vern Dunning has had a long history of participating in RFSA meetings, programs and initiatives and has invested considerable time and effort into facilitating the Association’s support of members and their families.
As Cooma Monaro Branch Chairperson since its inception, Vern has steered the Branch into a strong positive position, with membership continually increasing. Vern has always backed Brigades in their requests for Grants from the RFSA and actively encourages brigades in the region to seek this funding where needed.
At Division 6 meetings, Vern often puts forward new ideas and suggests new strategies to keep the interest in RFSA deliberations. As the Delegate to State Council, Vern has ensured that the views of the members are represented at the highest levels and is able to provide well-balanced opinions on matters before State Council.
Vern has achieved a position of respect, significance and authority which has enabled him to influence and implement policy decisions beneficial to all members of the NSW RFS.
Steve Jones and Vern Dunning are worthy recipients of the RFSA’s highest honour of Life Membership and the Association congratulates them on their recognition and achievement.