Nominations are currently open for 2026 Australia Day awards. Forms are available from the Council office and online at www.gisc.gov.au grab a copy and nominate a special person, group, or event that has contributed an outstanding voluntary service to our community.
On 26th January this year, we honoured 2025 Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Lachlan Johnstone who has served in uniform for nearly 36 years, either in the uniform of the Australian Defence Force or the Rural Fire Service. “I was exceptionally honoured and humbled to receive the award, considering the many tireless volunteers who work to provide an emergency response within the community.”
“The respect and pride in the uniforms and the job the volunteers do is so Australian it goes to our core beliefs of looking after your mates, and been there, knowing that some one is coming can make all the difference when the community needs it,” said Lachlan. “This was typified in the Wallangara Jennings fire. We unfortunately had just lost this man’s sheds as the fire was too fierce. He came up to the group and shook our hands and thanked us for the effort. That alone was worth more than any accolade and is the reason so many do what we do.”
Lachlan knows that these men and women who serve our community “step out the door knowing they may not be coming back – it is this quiet acceptance to go and protect people and property that truly does require the utmost respect.”
“So to the few who look after the many thank you for your efforts and commitment to protect and serve our community.” Thank you Lachlan Johnstone.
