News
2 July, 2025
Firies break ice
FOUR dedicated firefighters from Villeneuve Rural Fire Brigade were awarded National Medals during an intensive training day at the Kilcoy Showgrounds on June 28, as the annual Operation Icebreaker took place in the rain.
The event brought together 80 emergency personnel from 21 Moreton Bay and Somerset rural fire brigades and one auxiliary team from Woodford, for a comprehensive day of skill development and team building.
Ian Swadling, Scott Law, Tanya Wordsworth, and Tricia Holland received the prestigious National Medal, recognising their significant service during the 2019–2020 bushfires and other emergency responses including Victoria Bushfires, Queensland Floods, Cyclone Yasi, and North Queensland Floods.
Each of the medal recipients brought unique experiences to the event. While specific details of their individual contributions were not fully disclosed, their National Medals represented years of dedicated service and extraordinary commitment to community safety.
The Stanmore Rural Fire Brigade was also handed the keys to a new truck at the event.
Member for Glass House and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Andrew Powell, emphasised the critical nature of the volunteers’ work, noting the potential fire risks.
“When that rain stops, we’re going to have one hell of a fuel load,” he warned, highlighting the importance of the day’s training.
“You guys are at the front line, and we need you to be trained up and ready to go, because at the end of the day, you’re the only ones keeping us safe. So thanks for everything you do.”
Chief Officer Kaylene Jones also stressed the importance of team cohesion and mutual understanding.
“Understanding how you work together will mean that every single day, when you go out on the fire ground, you’ll be a lot safer and a lot more productive and efficient,” she told the assembled firefighters.
Incident Controller Glenn Rollington detailed a structured training approach to challenge and improve firefighting skills.
The event included multiple skill stations where crews would rotate, practicing critical firefighting techniques and emergency response protocols.
Photos: Marina Gomide.
