Paul Tollis believes volunteering is in his blood.
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A member of the Rainbow Flat NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) branch, Paul has been acknowledged for his long-time commitment to the volunteer service.
Earlier this week Paul joined 73 fellow long-standing Mid Coast District volunteers who were presented with long service medals in recognition of their combined 1513 years of service.
Five members also were given National Medals at the presentation ceremony held at Club Taree on Tuesday, May 8.
Paul joined the Berowra brigade in 1967 and then Rainbow Flat brigade after relocating to the Great Lakes in 1980, filling roles including captain and president.
My volunteering began with the surf life saving movement before joining the RFS and then Rotary, Paul said.
“I spent most of my education years in rural sandstone country around the Hawkesbury,” he said.
After moving Rainbow Flat hooking up with the local RFS was a natural progression for this passionate volunteer and macadamia farmer.
“You get to meet a lot of interesting people who have similar outlooks.”
Paul said he gained a great deal of satisfaction from helping people.
He also paid tribute to his wife Elizabeth, who had wholeheartedly supported his membership.
“Without the female support all the volunteers would not be able to continue.”
Seventy-six-year-old former Nabiac RFS member Keith Nichols says he will continue to volunteer until: “I can’t get in the truck any more.”
Now a member of Camden Haven, Keith joined the RFS back in 1998 after witnessing a group of volunteers control a fire near his then Moonee home.
“I came out of the Scouting movement,” he explained of his passion for volunteer work.
“I like to give something back to the community I live in,” Keith said.
During the past 20 years Keith has helped fight a number of major fires including in more recent times, Canberra, Canberra, Karuah and last year’s Aerodrome-Tuncurry bush fire.
“The dedication and experience of each and every one of these volunteers is priceless and I know the community is thankful for the world-class fire protection afforded to them by the 97 Rural Fire Brigades within the Mid Coast District,” local member, Stephen Bromhead said.
“These recipients, as is the case with all NSW RFS members, do not ask for praise; however we gladly award these medals as a proud acknowledgement of their efforts.
Coolongolook Brigade member, Bruce Hopper, who joined in 1969 also received a long service medal.
During the past 49 years Bruce has served as secretary and deputy captain.