Duncan Brookes awarded Emergency Services Medal

Duncan Brookes, a BSAR member for over 42 years, was awarded the Emergency Service Medal on Queens Birthday, 8 June 2015.

Duncan Brookes

The citation is:

Mr Brookes has been a dedicated member of the Bush Search and Rescue Victoria (BSAR) team for over 42 years. He has been the Lead Training Organiser on 10 BSAR Annual Training weekends responsible for numerous duties including managing the organising groups; developing the training programs; arranging logistics; and providing briefings to instructors and participants. More recently, he has provided vital

leadership in the development of the 2012
to 2016 BSAR Strategic Plan and is following up with implementation of several initiatives arising from it including membership management improvements; safety clothing; and creating and improving operational policies. Mr Brookes has participated in over 34 searches and has provided outstanding service to BSAR as a Field Organiser on 19 of these.

Bush Search and Rescue congratulates Duncan for being awarded the Emergency Services Medal in recognition of outstanding service to BSAR and the Victorian community.

I also personally thank Duncan for his ongoing volunteer search and rescue work with us.

Accepting the award, Duncan said:

“My contribution to BSAR has been underpinned by the strong and enduring support of Bushwalking Victoria and the Police Search and Rescue Squad.  The wise advice of current and former members of the Squad over the decades has been invaluable.”

“An understanding family and an employer who supported my search involvements were also key elements.”

“But most of all; being a part of BSAR is very fulfilling, with bushwalkers; friends and colleagues committed to the straightforward goal of searching the scrubby gullies.”

“I appreciate the recognition both personally and for Bush Search and Rescue.”

Peter Campbell.  Convener, Bush Search and Rescue Victoria, 8 June 2015

Last Updated on February 2, 2023