Australia Day 2015 – Special Announcement
His Excellency, the Governor General of Australian has bestowed upon our associations founder and President, Mr. Peter Joseph Cannon, the Order of Australia.
This award recognises the genuine commitment that Peter has made towards providing a voice for the Volunteer Firefighters in NSW.
Congratulations Peter and thank you for your dedication.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Mr Peter Joseph CANNON, ‘Yeronga’, Peak Hill NSW 2869 For service to the community through fire and emergency services organisations.
Group Captain, Parkes Group 5, New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS), includes Peak Hill, Mickibri and Waratah Brigades, since 2001; Captain, Waratah Brigade, 1995-2003; Member, since 1966; Member, Tomingley Brigade, 1966-1979; Bush Fire Management Committee; Volunteer Representative, Mid Lachlan Valley Team – Forbes; Member, Executive Committee/Sub-Committee – Forbes. Volunteer Member, Parkes Senior Management Committee. President, Volunteer Fire Fighters Association, since 2004; Foundation Steering Committee Member, 2004.
Executive Councillor, Region 5 Central West, New South Wales Farmers Association, 2004- 2013; Member, Grains Committee, 2010-2013. President, Peak Hill Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association, 2000-2002. Past Chairman, Wheat Grower’s Action Group, 2008-2009.
Philosophy underlying the Order of Australia
The purpose of the Order of Australia is to recognise, by National honour, those who have made outstanding contributions that benefit their communities, and Australia.
The second purpose of the Order of Australia is that it serves to define, encourage and reinforce community standards, national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging actions and achievement and thereby identifying role models at all levels and in all spheres of the community.
Congratulations Peter.
My thoughts on this Australia Day are for the pioneers of this great land. We rode on the sheep back and we owe so much to our bush heritage.
Our bush fire fighting capabilities started with a handshake over a fence line, mates helping mates, neighbours helping each other and a community spirit that is a proud Australian tradition.
Unfortunately, some of those traditions are being eroded but you have played a major role in this association that is desperately working to remove the bureaucracy from hazard reduction and bush fire fighting.
You clearly deserve this honour, well done.
Regards
Mick Holton
A most fitting recognition for Peter, his wife and Family for their unselfish contribution to their community and more importantly, Australia.
Honours of this nature require a “Team Effort” and without Peters Family support, contributions like the one Peter has made to VFFA are not possible.
I am proud to be a part of an Organisation that is pursuing issues on behalf of Volunteer Fire Fighters.
Congratulations Peter on a job well done.
Best wishes,
Bruce Richardson and The Members of the Glen Alice Bushfire Brigade. (Lithgow District)
Congratulations to Peter, he is a good man.
Melinda Pavey.
Dear Peter,
On behalf of the RFSA, please accept my congratulations on your receipt of the OAM in this years Australia Day Honours.
You should be extremely proud of the contribution you have made to the Rural Fire Service, rural industry and your community.
Kind regards,
Tim Arnott
State President
NSW Rural Fire Service Association
Congratulations Peter! An honour definitely well-deserved for your tireless efforts in support of your fellow volunteers and your ever-present calls for ‘common sense’ .
Thanks also to your fellow VFFA executive, members and especially your family for backing you in your fight for what’s right.
Karl Westwell
The World Fire Safety Foundation
Hi Peter,
Just a quick note to wish you congratulations on your OAM on behalf of the Bargo Brigade membership.
Well deserved recognition of your tireless efforts in the community and for the greater good of the people of NSW.
Keep up the good fight.
Regards
Paul Rogers
Please pass on my congratulations to Peter. Receiving an award is a most deserved recognition for his such extraordinary, long and diversified service to the community, particularly with fire services.
Kevin Butler
BlazeAid Founder
Peter
Well done, richly deserved!
Regards
Alan Brown