Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I congratulate my friend, Noosa Fire Station Officer in Charge, Rob Frey, who was awarded with an Australian Fire Service Medal on Australia Day for his decades of service protecting the community. Rob has also served for 22 years as a lead instructor at the Queensland Fire and Rescue tactical training unit. Having experienced Rob's training there, I know the skills he brings to saving lives and property. Rob's expertise has been called upon during disasters including the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires; the Narrabri, Hazelwood mine, the Tamworth and Cradle Mountain fires; and the tragic Childers backpacker hostel fire. Rob also served as divisional commander for the 2019-2020 Peregian Beach and Cooroibah wildfires, and the Fraser Island 2021 wildfires.

Rob has volunteered at the Noosa, Sunshine Beach and Maroochydore surf lifesaving clubs. And I've had the absolute pleasure of working with him and his wife, Donna, on plans to upgrade the Noosa Rugby Union Club. Rob's lifelong commitment to his community and our nation extends well beyond his vocation. His recognition through this award is a fitting tribute to the contributions he has made to strengthening and keeping safe the Noosa community.