Citation – Kim Brundle-Lawrence:

Kim has rendered over 35 years of dedicated and exemplary service to the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) and her community, commencing her volunteer firefighting career with the Carrick Brigade in June 1990. In 2019, Kim was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her exceptional commitment to emergency services. She has been further recognised for diligent service as a recipient of the Second Clasp to National Medal. Throughout her service, Kim has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to operational response, actively participating in intra-state deployments, regional strike teams, district campaign fires, and local emergency incidents. She is widely recognised for her leadership, professionalism, and operational reliability in high-pressure environments. In addition to her frontline duties, Kim has made significant contributions to brigade and community welfare. Kim’s service extended during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she took on the role of Compliance Officer during Tasmania’s peak outbreak period. She conducted daily isolation compliance checks and contributed technical support to enhance the reporting and mapping of COVID-19 case data, an effort formally recognised by the Northern District Police Commander. She played a key role in the implementation of the “Trauma Teddies” initiative in partnership with the Red Cross, providing comfort to children impacted by traumatic incidents. Kim is always among the first to offer support during major campaign fires, performing roles ranging from resource coordination and air operations flight following to logistical support such as meal and supply delivery. Her willingness to assist at short notice and across diverse roles exemplifies her “can do” attitude and unwavering commitment to service. Her sustained and selfless contribution to the TFS, her advocacy for volunteer welfare, and her enduring dedication to community safety mark her as an exceptional role model in Australian emergency services.