IT”S a family affair for a Gembrook family who received high honours for their service during the 2009 bushfires.
Greg Harry and his two sons Matt and Brendan received National Emergency Medasl this month for their outstanding contribution as = during the fires.
Ceremonies will be held across the state to present more than 1000 medals to DEPI and supporting agency employees, as well as more than 4400 CFA volunteers.
The National Emergency Medals are administered by the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat and are awarded by the Governor-General for sustained service in response to nationally significant emergencies within Australia.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the medals were a reminder of the ongoing commitment to response and recovery that forest firefighters and emergency team personnel play each year.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin congratulated Mr Harry and his sons said the Victorian Government greatly valued the vital work performed by DEPI and supporting agencies and had a strong commitment to providing the resources and support needed to do their job.“The State Government is investing record amounts in bushfire protection.
“Last year we announced $33 million would be invested in planned burns and a further $21.6 million was announced this year – that’s a total of $54.6 million over two years,” Mr Battin said.
“Since coming to office in 2010, the State Government has provided DEPI with $358 million to deliver its land and fire management program.”
