Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and EnvironmentDse Hero Ben Rankin Awarded Australian Service MedalBen Rankin, Fire Management Officer at Swifts Creek has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his outstanding work during the Alpine fires of 2003. By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 27th January 2004 - Back to News The award is specifically for: "Distinguished prolonged service and leadership in wildfire response in Victoria, NSW and USA and the demonstrated exceptional personal ability to bind the whole community through the difficult response and recovery phases following the significant Alpine bushfires of 2003 plus the exceptional skills in delivering critical operational firefighting training."
Mr Rankin is currently the DSE’s Senior Fire Management Officer for the Swifts Creek/Bairnsdale Fire Districts in Gippsland, but his background in fire and forestry stretches over many years.
DSE Chief Fire Officer Gary Morgan paid tribute to Ben’s community engagement during and after the Alpine fires.
"I am really pleased that Ben has been recognised with Australian Fire Service Medal," he said.
"Ben is highly regarded for leading community around Swift’s Creek from a fire perspective," he said. "His work really brought the community together."
Following his graduation with a Certificate of Applied Science (Creswick) 1977, Ben was posted to Swifts Creek as a Forest Officer. In 1985 he was promoted to the position of Operations Area Supervisor, which he ably performed until he became the Swifts Creek District Fire Management Officer in 1993.
Throughout his career Ben has been extensively involved in the management of both wildfires and the use of prescribed fire. His experiences have been at local level on the fireline, at local level as the Senior Fire Controller and at State level as a Senior Fire Controller and Operations Officer. His experiences have also included ‘tours of duty’ in senior fire management roles in NSW and the USA.
During Ben’s career he has attained the highest level under the ‘Australian Inter-Service, Incident Management System’ of Incident Controller and has been called upon often to exercise control of major wildfire operations. His recent performance during the 2003 Victorian Alpine Fires as the Senior Fire Controller for the Swifts Creek Incident Management Team, has been acknowledged both within DSE and by many others involved in the protracted emergency period, as being outstanding. Apart from his leadership during the fire his interaction with the community and other Emergency Agencies, and his management of the ‘post-fire’ recovery and rehabilitation activities, has been handled in a professional, tireless and competent manner.
Ben has also spent some considerable time over the past decade delivering fire management training to staff and has been extensively involved with the development of training competency packages associated with forest firefighting, and communications protocols. He is also an accredited Assessor of Level 2 Fire Controllers and is a State Trainer and Assessor of Level 3 Fire Operations officers.
Ben was awarded the National Medal for his extended service to the community in fire management in 1992. His on-going commitment to fire response at the most senior Fire Control Level and his dedication to fostering productive relationships with other agencies, and with the community in the execution of emergency duties, make him an excellent candidate for the award of the Australian Fire Service Medal.
Ben said that it was a bit of a shock when he got the news of the award and that he felt very humbled by it.
"I feel pretty honoured that someone would recognise the years of firefighting in this manner," he said.
"I think that from a fire point of view, you're only as good as the team you work with, so this is a reflection of the people I work with as much as myself."
"Over the years I've worked with a lot of good people, all doing their best to have a successful fire fight. It's a bit humbling to receive an award of this nature for something that we all do as part of our jobs."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Lakes Entrance's Cameron King awarded with national medal for lifesaving service and dedication to community safety
Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club’s Cameron King has been awarded the National Medal for over 15 years of dedicated volunteer service, recognising his commitment to lifesaving and community water safety. - Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects. - Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Victorian government confirms Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will remain at Phillip Island with ongoing event support
Bass Coast Council welcomes Victorian Government confirming Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will stay at Phillip Island, rejecting Albert Park move, ensuring ongoing funding, supporting tourism, jobs, and regional community benefits beyond 2026. - Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways. - Trafalgar Holden Museum celebrates iconic Australian Holden heritage, rare cars, memorabilia, and expanded exhibitions spaces
The Trafalgar Holden Museum showcases Australia’s iconic Holden heritage, featuring over 75 vehicles, historic memorabilia, rare concept cars, and expanded exhibition spaces, offering an immersive experience for car enthusiasts and visitors. - Independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool awarded to ensure safe operation for community and staff
Council has commissioned an independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to identify risks, necessary repairs, and upgrades, keeping the community informed while the pool remains closed. - Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future. - Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - Baw Baw Council seeks community feedback on Customer Service Charter and Complaints Handling Policy, consultation closes 22 April 2026
Baw Baw Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Customer Service Charter and Complaints Handling Policy. Consultation is open until 5pm, Wednesday 22 April 2026, online or at Farm World. - East Gippsland invites community to honour everyday heroes for 2026 Volunteer Honour Roll to be celebrated from 18-24 May 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for nominations to recognise local volunteers, with 2026 Honour Roll inductees celebrated during National Volunteer Week, showcasing their contributions and inspiring more people to volunteer. - Baw Baw Shire Council introduces FOGO green bin service from July 2026, reducing landfill, creating compost and supporting a circular economy
From July 2026, Baw Baw residents can use green bins for food and garden waste, reducing landfill, creating compost, and supporting a circular economy under the new FOGO service. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot progresses with $2.35M tender awarded, restoring safe local access
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $2.35 million tender to rebuild Stewart Road Bridge, restoring safe access, supporting emergency services, and increasing load capacity to 44 tonnes. - Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026. - Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - Tim Bull urges reflection and respect on Remembrance Day honouring all Australian servicemen
Tim Bull urges all Australians to honour veterans and current servicemen, reflecting on their sacrifice, courage, and service, while supporting commemorative events and ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten. - Sarsfield Fire Brigade launches fundraiser to support Yarck bushfire recovery efforts on 10 February to 10 March 2026
The Sarsfield Rural Fire Brigade has launched a fundraiser supporting Yarck bushfire recovery, collecting fencing materials, tools, and donations to help residents rebuild and protect livestock after January’s fires. - Baw Baw Shire fire danger period begins on 27 October with restrictions and safety measures
Baw Baw Shire Fire Danger Period starts 27 October. Residents should prepare properties, follow fire restrictions, and can use free green waste drop-offs to reduce bushfire risks. - Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly. - East Gippsland Council launches pool and spa safety inspection service to ensure compliance and protect residents
East Gippsland Council reminds residents to ensure pools and spas meet safety regulations and offers a $385 Barrier Compliance Inspection Service, including inspection, report, follow-up, certification, and database lodgement. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition. - East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire. - Melina Bath warned Delburn Wind Farm risks bushfires, affecting 1,600 nearby homes and challenging emergency services
A parliamentary petition, backed by Melina Bath, opposes the Allan government’s $650M Delburn Wind Farm bailout, citing fire risk, noise, visual impacts, and mismanagement of taxpayer funds. - Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers. - Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management. - Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members. - Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup. - Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region. - Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities. - Farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers and undercuts Australian dairy
Australian dairy farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers, undercuts local producers, and risks jobs, as imported US butter competes with declining domestic dairy production. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025. - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - Gippsland Water invests $6.8M in new generators to ensure reliable water and wastewater services during emergencies
Gippsland Water has invested $6.8 million in 25 new generators, strengthening emergency resilience, reducing service interruptions, protecting water and wastewater operations, and supporting the national grid when not in use. - Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community. - Darren Chester urges immediate European Carp control virus release by 2028 to protect Australian waterways
Darren Chester urges urgent action against European carp, supporting the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s push to release the carp herpes virus by 2028 to protect waterways and native biodiversity. - Melina Bath urges urgent review of neighbourhood houses funding to prevent closures and protect vital services across Gippsland
Melina Bath urges urgent review of Neighbourhood House funding in Eastern Victoria, warning closures and service cuts threaten vital community support for vulnerable residents. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery. - Darren Chester welcomes St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to parliament house for insight into Australian democracy
Darren Chester welcomed St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to Parliament House, discussing democracy, civic engagement, and his role as Gippsland's representative while commending their enthusiasm and interest in national issues. - Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans during fire danger period
Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans, store emergency drinking water, and follow CFA advice during the Fire Danger Period from 27 October to 1 May 2026. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges. - Baw Baw Shire Council adopts 2025 - 2029 Road Management Plan, updating registers for safe, sustainable, community-focused roads and footpaths
Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed the 2025-2029 Road Management Plan, updating public road and footpath registers, removing recreational Walhalla Road sections, and ensuring safe, sustainable local road management. - Darren Chester celebrates completion of $2M Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment ahead of grand final
Darren Chester welcomed the $2 million Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering modern facilities, improved amenities, and new courts, officially opening September 6 as the community hosts its first grand final in 25 years. - East Gippsland welcomes 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale ceremony, celebrating diversity, and shared Australian values
East Gippsland welcomed 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, community spirit, and contributions of residents embracing their new Australian citizenship. - Baw Baw Shire residents urged to be vigilant and follow safety rules despite fire restriction ease
Despite eased restrictions, fire risk remains. Residents can conduct burn-offs under strict rules, must supervise fires, follow regulations, and stay alert as total fire ban days may still apply. - East Gippsland Council seeks feedback to shape Stormwater Management Plan addressing local drainage, flooding and infrastructure challenges
East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a Stormwater Management Plan and invites community feedback to identify flooding, drainage issues, and practical solutions, helping plan safer, more resilient local infrastructure. - East Gippsland Shire Council adopts 2026–2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan ensuring pet welfare and safe, enjoyable public spaces for community
East Gippsland Council adopts Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029, promoting responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, safe public spaces, community consultation, compliance and effective management of dogs and cats across the Shire. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals. - Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season. - Baw Baw Shire aquatic facilities future management decision announced
Baw Baw Council will continue current aquatic and leisure facility operations with YMCA Victoria for 12 months, ensuring service continuity while assessing future management and preparing for a future tender process. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - East Gippsland Council endorses Coastal and Marine Management Plan to protect treasured coastline sustainably
East Gippsland Shire Council has endorsed the Coastal and Marine Management Plan, providing a coordinated framework to protect and sustainably manage coastal reserves with community, Traditional Owner, and stakeholder input. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance. - Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years. - Baw Baw Shire awards over $109,000 in community grants supporting 13 groups’ minor capital work projects
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded over $109,000 in Community Grants to 13 local groups, supporting minor capital works that improve facilities, sustainability, and community wellbeing across the shire. - Baw Baw Shire Council Awards ten local artists and groups as Arts and Culture Fund recipients 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded ten local artists and groups funding through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting creative projects, skill development, and community engagement across diverse artistic disciplines. - Wellington Shire Council awards $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting events and volunteer initiatives across the Middle of Everywhere
Wellington Shire Council has awarded $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting arts, events, sports, infrastructure, inclusion, and volunteer initiatives, strengthening participation and connection across the Middle of Everywhere region. - Bass Coast Shire Council awards contract for new Thompson Reserve pavilion, boosting Inverloch sport and community facilities
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded Kubale Constructions to build a modern Thompson Reserve pavilion, enhancing facilities, supporting local clubs, and promoting inclusive sport opportunities for women, girls and the community. - Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity. - Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare.
|
|
