KEVIN Barnes has worn many hats with the Caldwell Rural Fire Service, but wearing the title of Murray River Council citizen of the year is perhaps his proudest achievement.
Mr Barnes was recognised for his outstanding contribution to various groups and organisations in the local area with the Australia Day award.
Most notably, his “unwavering” commitment to the local Rural Fire Service (RFS).
“I’ve been here all my life and I don’t know any different, other than putting the wet stuff onto the red stuff,” a humble Mr Barnes said.
“When you think back when doing things it doesn’t mean much because you’re just doing it.
“But everyone around here is saying it’s well deserved, I just didn’t think so at the time.”
Mr Barnes commenced with the Caldwell RFS in 1960 and has been “well-known for his leadership and common-sense approach in the organisation ever since”.
He has held the position of deputy captain, permit officer, senior deputy captain, training officer, brigade president, captain and group officer.
Mr Barnes’ efforts were also recognised when he received his 50-year long service award in 2010.
“A lot has changed with the fire service, you just signed up and were given a wet bag but we did get a little fire engine put on the back of the truck later down the track.
“We have boots and gear now, we never had boots unless we were travelling away to a fire.
“Some just rolled up with a hat, boots, shirt and shorts, that was normal.”
Mr Barnes has been deployed to South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales, including 11 deployments over the 2019/20 Black Summer fires, predominantly in New South Wales.
He was later awarded a Premier’s Citation for his efforts.
He’s also involved in the Echuca Car Club, Deniliquin Car Club, Bunnaloo Wheat Growers, Caldwell Hall, Genealogy Groups and NSW Farmers Federation.
“Kevin is well-known to have his finger on the pulse of the local community and has shown a lifetime of dedication to family and community,” the nomination read.
Also acknowledged with the council Australia Day awards were Health Moloney, from Moulamein, with sportsperson of the year; Moulamein Community Development, with community group of the year, and the ACRE Project, with arts and culture award.
Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey said the Australia Day awards acknowledged the achievements of individuals and groups who worked so tirelessly to make our community a better place during a difficult 12 months.
“On behalf of council, I would like to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate this year’s award winners who are a shining example of how we can all have a positive impact in our community, no matter the circumstances,” he said.
“There have been lots of people who have made some lasting contributions in the community during what has been another very testing year, and it is their efforts that add to the story of Murray River Council and make it such a great place to live.
“These awards give us a chance to reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.”
