Eight NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members including Deputy Group Captain Jennifer Bamman were recognised for their hard work and dedication to the community as part of the 2023 Australia Day Honours List receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal.
The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recognises distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.
The Australian Fire Service Medal was instituted in 1988 to recognise those who have rendered distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. It is awarded to both paid and volunteer members.
Above: Congratulations to Jenny Bamman for being awarded at Government House for the Australian Fire Service Medal presentation. Deputy Group Captain Jennifer Bamman, Far South Coast
Mrs Jennifer Bamman joined the Surf Beach Rural Fire Brigade after a major fire impacted the area in January 1994. Consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and achievement, she was awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for Service in 2001 in recognition of her commitment and involvement in District training and the development of junior brigades. She was awarded Life Membership in 2010.
She has held various operational and administrative roles since 1997, including Deputy Captain, Senior Deputy and Brigade Captain, and in 2013 became one of the first female Group Officers elected for the Far South Coast District and Region. She remains in this position, as well as fulfilling the roles of permit officer, Incident Management Team officer, Far South Coast Training Team and Senior Management Team member.
She has multiple qualifications across all facets of operational activities, willingly sharing her knowledge and experience with others. She has contributed to the Far South Coast Training Team as an instructor, course coordinator and assessor. One of the first female Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) operators on the Far South Coast, she is committed to volunteer development and capability and is heavily involved in the provision of CABA and Advanced Structural Firefighting training for volunteers who travel to Mogo for training.
She has been instrumental in the development of junior brigade members, guiding these future Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and preparing them for competition at the state level. With extensive Incident Management experience, she has led multiple Strike Teams to incidents across the state. During Bushfires 2019-20, she served as Divisional Commander for the devastating Currowan and Clyde Mountain fires for numerous days while her own family and friends were under threat.
Mrs Bamman dedication and professionalism have earned the respect of her fellow RFS members and make her a worthy recipient for the award of the Australian Fire Service Medal.
