Fortis Creek husband and wife, Harry and Marcia Le Busque, have been announced as recipients of Australian Fire Service medals in the Australia Day 2019 Honours List.

The couple were not contactable prior to the Independent’s editorial deadline last Friday; however, the details of their nominations for the medal are as follows:

Mr Harry Le Busque joined the Trenayr Bushfire Brigade of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) in 1988.

Mr Le Busque initially joined his local bushfire brigade after fire destroyed his residential property.

He reflected on the importance of local bushfire brigades and the feeling of involvement in and concern for one’s local community.

He became an influential leader within the former Copmanhurst bush fire district, identifying and applying his life skills and aptitude in training, [which] transitioned the small farm-based bushfire brigades into the skilfully trained and well-equipped rural fire brigades they are today.

Mr Le Busque has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities on numerous occasions by serving in a range of field officer positions including; group captain, brigade captain, senior deputy captain and deputy captain.

He has also held a number of other positions within the brigade, including brigade president, training officer and permit officer.

Prior to joining the NSWRFS, Mr Le Busque had a distinguished and decorated career with the Australian Army and was principal of a civil engineering company.

He has been an extremely active fire-fighter and has performed with distinction in the role of task force leader, divisional commander, sector commander and crew leader.

In addition to attending bushfires locally, he has been deployed to major campaign fires in many areas across NSW and interstate.

He has served as a member of the Clarence Valley Bushfire Management Committee, Senior Management Group and District Training Committee.

Mr Le Busque has represented the views of the NSWRFS volunteers on the NSW Rural Fire Service Association, serving in voluntary executive roles for many years at branch, divisional and state council.

He is highly respected by both volunteers and staff within the Clarence Valley Rural Fire District and his outstanding contribution as a volunteer over many years has been of significant benefit to the NSWRFS and his local community.

Mrs Marcia Le Busque joined the Trenayr Bushfire Brigade of the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1988.

Firefighter Le Busque has been an active member of the Trenayr Brigade for over 30 years and has held the roles of secretary from 2004 to 2013; first aid officer from 2009 to 2011; treasurer since 2012; and community engagement officer since 2014.

She is a motivated and hard-working member of NSWRFS and has achieved many outcomes for the service.

Her commitment and dedication are evident in her involvement locally with community engagement, first aid training and her activities associated with being on the board of the RFSA and other various state committees.

As a valued member of the local community, her determination is well recognised and she is always prepared to put in the extra hours to ensure the success of any activities or projects undertaken.

Leading by example, Mrs Le Busque is well respected by her fellow volunteers and is recognised for her emphatic nature and excellent listening skills.

Note: Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia.

If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.