Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP
East Gippslanders honoured with National Emergency Medal to Gus McKinnon for exceptional service during 2019-2020 bushfires
Twenty-seven East Gippslanders were awarded the National Emergency Medal for their bravery and dedication during the 2019-2020 bushfires. Darren Chester presented the medals, honouring their service in supporting the Cann River community.
Twenty-seven East Gippslanders were honoured with a National Emergency Medal on Friday for their exceptional efforts in supporting the Cann River community during the devastating bushfires that raged from September 2019 to February 2020.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and National Emergency Medal recipient Gus McKinnon of McKinnon Earth Construction
Honouring emergency heroes
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester presented the National Emergency Medal to recipients in an award ceremony attended by friends, family and the local community at the Cann River Hall. "We will be forever grateful to those who answered the call and assisted communities in need during this trying time."
"We saw tremendous courage, hard work and sacrifice during the devastating 2019-2020 fires, and a National Emergency Medal is just one way we can honour those for their sustained and significant service. Congratulations to the 27 individuals honoured; your service, sacrifice and courage will not be forgotten," Mr Chester said.
National emergency honours
The following people were honoured with a National Emergency Medal:
- Phillip Mann
- Sam Elliot
- Fred & Kerry Marchi
- Adrian & Chrystal Hall
- Gus McKinnon
- Tony Trpkovic
- Michael Vare
- Stephen Young
- Michael Connley
- Warren Fenner
- Ryan Maslin
- Steve Schweitzer
- Luke Henderson
- Adrian Nation
- Brandon Nation
- Alison Rainey
- Tammy Stephenson
- Jill Filmer
- Christine Brownlie
- Michael O'Brien
- Wendy Lever
- Maria Mrsic
- Louise Peel
- Will Shipton
- Bill Young
Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Community feedback strengthens Wellington's Road Management Plan, highlighting priorities for road upgrades
East Gippsland kids invited to join and send entries for National Water Week poster competition by 12 September 2025
Future Wellington Community feedback shapes draft plans, final input invited before 16 July 2025
Gippsland Water commits to keeping customer bills affordable despite cost of living pressures
Have your say on Latrobe's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029 until 29 July 2025
Latrobe City Council endorses new Council Plan and Community Vision 2025-2029 to guide Latrobe's future growth
Wellington Shire Councillors advocate for region's needs at National Local Government Assembly in Canberra on 24 - 27 June 2025
East Gippsland tourism and hospitality masterclass to build sustainable, resilient businesses and grow positive
Southern Rural Water celebrates 30 years of service with modernisation, partnerships and sustainable water
