Kym Stanford – Australian Fire Services Medal

Thursday 20 April, eight NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members were recognised for their hard work and dedication to the community as part of the 2023 Australia Day Honours List at Government House by Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.

Amongst the eight was our very own Council employee Kym Stanford. Captain Kym Stanford from the Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade.

Kym’s leadership potential was soon recognised when she joined the Mungindi Rural Fire Brigade in 1995. Kym was elected Senior Deputy Captain in 1999 and elected Captain two years later. The fact that she has remained in that role for more than 20 years is a testament to the high regard in which she is held by her Brigade.

In 2022, she shared a Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service awarded to the Mungindi Brigade for its response to the fire in the main street of Mungindi, in September 2020 that destroyed the supermarket, butcher and homeware store.

Kym was instrumental in leading the RFS response and coordinating other emergency services from both New South Wales and Queensland, along with the community and business members who assisted.

In addition to her admirable long-term operational commitment, she has held the position of Brigade President since 2013, Kym is a permit officer and is trainer and assessor and has supported the establishment of new operational capabilities.

She has led her Brigade to meet the changing needs of the New South Wales RFS and community, including qualifying as a Rescue Operator when the need arose for the Brigade to provide rescue abilities for Mungindi and the surrounding area.

Her commitment to the New South Wales RFS and the community is consistently demonstrated through her effort, professionalism, leadership and selfless commitment to the values of the Service.

Kym is an outstanding ambassador and worthy recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal.

Images - (Top) Kym Stanford and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC. (Below) Ms Kym Stanford