AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL

 

CITATION

 

Kathryn Elizabeth GILLHAM (Kate)

 

Kathryn (Kate) GILLHAM has made a significant contribution to the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) since commencing in November 2003 as a volunteer firefighter with the Campania Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Kate has held several operational leadership roles within the Campania Brigade as the 2nd and 3rd Officer and Permit Officer since 2018. Kate became the Brigade Chief of the Brigade in 2021, a position she still holds continually providing outstanding leadership to her Brigade. Kate is highly regarded for her leadership qualities and operational proficiency, not only within her Brigade but across the East Coast District and the TFS.  Kate has also been a stalwart of the TFS Junior and Cadet Program and the Junior and Cadet Coordinator for the Campania Brigade since 2009. Kate’s commitment to this program has developed many young firefighters that have gone on to become adult volunteers within the TFS, providing significant benefit to both her Brigade and community.

As the coordinator of the Junior Development Day, Kate saw the opportunity to expand this into the adult firefighters of the Brigade and in 2023 after a nine-year absence she reinstated the East Coast Field Day. This provided the opportunity for the adult members of the district to come together, compete in preparedness and team building activities strengthening relationships across the district. The day was a great success with 10 crews competing. Kate also included the recently formed State Emergency Service (SES) crew from Sorell, building relationships that provide significant benefit to both the TFS and the SES. Kate has also played an important role in leadership development across the broader TFS as a facilitator on Fireline Leadership Courses delivered to career and volunteer firefighters. Kate supported the lead trainers during this program over many years drawing on her experience and respect across the organisation. Across over 20 years of service to the TFS and the Tasmanian community Kate has always met the TFS values of service, professionalism, integrity, and consideration with her service being recognised with the National Medal, National Emergency Medal 2019-20, and the 15-year TFS Long service badge.