Past and present South Australian local government employees who played a crucial role in responding to the devastating Cudlee Creek, Duck Ponds and Kangaroo Island bushfires have been recognised by receiving prestigious National Emergency Medals.
The medals are awarded by the Governor-General Frances Adamson AC to individuals who have provided sustained or significant service during nationally significant emergencies.
LGA South Australia President, City of Mitcham Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross praised the efforts of the state’s local government staff, acknowledging their extraordinary contribution to emergency response and recovery during and after the 2019-20 fires.
“Faced with incredible challenges, councils stepped up to support their communities when they needed it most,” President Holmes-Ross said.
“Staff worked long hours, often in tough conditions, clearing roads, trees, carting water and doing whatever was needed to support emergency services during these disasters.
“Their effort and dedication made a real, significant difference both in the acute emergency phase and during the clean-up that followed, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.”
The three fires collectively burned nearly 235,000 hectares of land, destroyed more than 140 homes and hundreds more buildings, and tragically claimed three lives along with devastating local wildlife populations.
Local government played a key role in supporting emergency response efforts during these crises, with more than 220 council employees from across 39 councils contributing nearly 6,400 staff hours.
Councils assisted emergency services through the Local Government Functional Support Group, which operates as part of the State Emergency Management Plan and is coordinated by LGA South Australia.
President Holmes-Ross said the bushfires demonstrated the strength of communities and the essential role local government plays in supporting emergency services during times of crisis.
“Councils are often one of the first to step in and last to leave when disaster strikes. Whether it’s providing direct community support, clearing roads or assisting with relief efforts, councils play a crucial role in response and recovery,” she said.
“Emergency services do an incredible job, but they can’t do it alone. Councils provide vital support, from incident management to logistics, ensuring resources get to where they’re needed most.
“Local councils have a broad role in communities – whether it’s assisting emergency services during fires or floods, local government works around the clock to ensure communities are supported and emergency services are able to do their jobs and keep people safe.”
SA Country Fire Service Chief Officer, Brett Loughlin said the fires were unprecedented and left “an indelible mark” on all responders who stepped up and took action to protect and support their communities.
“What I take most pride in is for everything we lost, we saved far more – we saved more lives than were lost, we prevented more injuries than occurred, and we saved more homes than were destroyed. That is something to be incredibly proud of,” he said.
“When the focus shifted in the immediate aftermath from response to recovery, local government was there playing an amazing role in restoring normality and getting people back to living their lives.
“Everyone receiving a National Emergency Medal should wear them with honour, because they have earnt them – their contributions made a difference at a time when most people could only watch in horror as these events unfolded.”
Awardees received their National Emergency Medals at a special presentation held at LGA’s Local Government House in Adelaide on Friday, which was also attended by Local Government Minister, Joe Szakacs.
