Toc volunteers thanked for service

They worked five day stints on and off throughout the crisis in fire affected regions of Victoria.

For those efforts, the pair were presented with the National Emergency Medal in a special ceremony on Saturday.

The presentation ceremony was held in Wangaratta, where medals were awarded to persons who rendered or sustained significant service during nationally significant emergencies in Australia.

Mr Stava was agency liaison officer, and Mrs Tucknott his assistant in that role.

Over the course of the crisis, they assisted with fires in the Wunghnu, Shepparton and Wodonga areas.

Mr Stava said the support role was intended to free up Country Fire Authority personal to fight the fires.

He was in charge of logistical support, and the pair also assisted with the damage assessment tasks.

“We would work in conjunction with Victoria Police to do the assessments, and also speak directly with farmers about their losses,” Mrs Ticknott said.

The medals were presented by Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), and SES Victoria Chief Officer Operations Tim Wiebusch.

The Governor-General’s wife Linda Hurley also sang for those in attendance.

Mrs Tucknott has volunteered for the Tocumwal and Cobram SES units for 35 years, and Mr Stava had volunteered for 25 years.

The Governor-General took time to speak to the recipients and complimented Wendy on the number of medals she has received during her SES career.

Mr Stava said another member of the SES, Jinette Graham, was previously presented with the same National Service Medal for her role in the fires.

A member of both the SES and the NSW Rural Fire Service, hers was presented with other RFS medals.