AUSTRALIAN
FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
CITATION
Dennyse May
Groves
Volunteer Firefighter Legana
Brigade
Tasmania Fire Service
Dennyse
Groves joined the Tasmania Fire Service on the 15 September 1999 as a member of
the Gladstone Volunteer Fire Brigade, located in the far NE of Tasmania - at
the time of this nomination she has provided approximately 18 years of ongoing
community service and commitment to the Tasmania community as a volunteer
fire-fighter.
As
indicated, her initial service commenced in Gladstone, where predominately the
majority of her male counterparts, worked "on the land" or the
"forestry industry". Due to this, they were not always available to
respond during daylight hours. Dennyse
(and other) female members from her brigade, on many an occasion, responded
with an "all female crew" to incidents of a varying nature.
During
her period as a volunteer firefighter she completed
the majority, if not all of her training courses including refreshers thus
retaining her proficiency as required. Dennyse was promoted to the 4th
Officers position in her brigade, a position she held until her transfer to one
of the largest volunteer brigades (Legana) in Northern Tasmania or retirement
and partially due to her husband's health.
During
her period of service she has sought and obtained membership of the Tasmanian
Volunteer Fire Brigades Association (TVFBA) representing both the association
and their members, on a number of levels, Group, Region, State and National.
She
joined the Volunteer Association in the early 2000's, one of a few female
firefighters who took up the challenge of representing the 5000+ volunteer
firefighters in Tasmania. She was without doubt, an extremely active member,
continually advocating a "fair go and equality" for all of her
colleagues.
During
her period as a member of the Volunteer Association, her involvement included.
·
North East
delegate on her Region Branch, where she held the position of Branch Vice
President, deputising for her Branch President during periods of absence.
o She was instrumental in organising "Road
Shows" to take the
message to
the volunteers at their brigades, throughout the North, rather than having them
come to centralised meetings.
o Organised regional forums on both Junior and female
firefighters.
o Was elected as a State Council delegate, the state body
representing the volunteer firefighters throughout Tasmania.
o Nominated (and
participated) on a number of working
parties, committees at State level representing the TVFBA on:
§ Vehicle working parties, female forum, junior member
forums etc to name a few.
Dennyse
was one, if not the first female, TVFBA delegate to participate as
Member
of CAVFA (Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Brigades Associations)
representing the collective thousands of volunteer firefighters throughout
Australia. This group discussed the many varying and perplexing issues,
pertaining to safety, health and welfare within the industry (along with many
other matters on a national basis)
Dennyse
has received recognition within the Tasmania Fire Service over her years of
service, receiving her, 5, 10 and 15 year TFS Long Service Badges, her TFS
Volunteer Medal and her National Medal.
Dennyse
now, having relocated to a larger metropolitan area, continues to represent her
colleagues at both Regional & State levels within the Volunteer
Association. This representation, during
her period of service has always been, forthright, constructive and from the
heart.
Dennyse
continues to be an active member of the TVFBA.