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Benalla Fire Brigade honours volunteers with awards and medals

By Contributed

Aug 13, 2025

Benalla recipients of National Medals and CFA Service Awards. Photo: Rene Martens.

Local volunteer firefighters were recognised for their dedication and service at the Benalla Fire Brigade Presentation Night on Saturday, August 2 at the Benalla Bowls Club.

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Around 110 guests attended, including honoured official guests from other brigades, other emergency services, local government, and brigade members’ partners and families who support the volunteers to do their critical work throughout the year.

Newly elected Benalla Fire Brigade captain Charlie Sexton paid special tribute to outgoing captain Jamie Beaton, acknowledging his enormous contribution as the brigade’s officer in charge for six years, as well as decades on the brigade management team.

Benalla brigade award winners. Photo: Rene Martens.

“We’re fortunate Jamie will continue as an active firefighter so both the brigade and the community can continue to benefit from his skills and experience,” Mr Sexton said.

“Benalla Fire Brigade has been protecting this community since 1882, and the strength of our team lies in the dedication of our people — both on the fireground and behind the scenes.”

The brigade also expressed gratitude to local photographer Rene Martens for volunteering his skills to capture the evening.

Lisa and Andrew Harrison pictured with Riley Mayes, recipient of the Jack Harrison Memorial Award. Photo: Rene Martens.

National awards:

National Medal – awarded for long and diligent service in protecting the community: Lieutenant Ben Reaburn.
National Emergency Medal, for the 2019/20 bushfires: Jaennee Poulton.

Ben Cook was recognised for 20 years of service to CFA. Photo: Rene Martens.

CFA Service Awards:

Len Griffith - 65 years.
Stephen Phillips - 50 years.
Ben Cook - 20 years.
Ben Reaburn - 20 years.
Elspeth Gawley - 20 years.
David Farthing - 10 years.

Jaennee Poulton receives a National Emergency Medal from Commander Daryl Owen. Photo: Rene Martens.

Brigade Awards 2024/25:

Jack Harrison Memorial Award - Riley Mayes. The runner-up was Nick Panuccio.
James Mann Award - Most efficient firefighter - Alex Young. The runner-up was Kallan Horton.
Bill Polwarth Memorial Trophy - Steve Phillips.