Neville Lawrence who has served his community for 51 years as part of the Gresford Brigade of the Rural Fire Service has been awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours.
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The 68-year-old Torryburn great grandfather is now going into his 23rd year as Captain of his beloved Brigade.
The role has seen him attend accidents, sometimes as a first responder, and countless fires.
During the aftermath of the April 2015 super storm Neville played a pivotal role co-ordinating relief efforts after the Torryburn Bridge was washed away, cutting off the community. This included organising a helicopter to transport several people who had to leave the village a cancer patient and an overseas exchange student about to return home before the storm struck.
Only recently a sign on the new bridge which read Captn Nevs Bridge has been removed.
Im not a bloke that looks for glory, he said.
Its been hard keeping this (award) quiet, Ive just been counting down the days to Australia Day, he said.
I wouldn't have done all I have and got this without (his wife) Cynthia, he said.
Ive loved the people Ive met over the years, the great mates Ive made.
Neville and Cynthia have two sons, Scott and Steven, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Neville joined the RFS in 1965 the same day he got his drivers licence and was made a Life Member in 2002.
He has held numerous other roles in the organisation including Senior Deputy Captain, 1993-1994; Deputy Captain, 1970-1993; Brigade Treasurer, 1972-1993; Brigade Permit Officer, since 1971.
Nevilles community work extends to the Gresford District Agricultural Society of which he is also a Life Member. He has been a volunteer for The Show for more than 50 years as a steward, gatekeeper and fireworks organiser.
He was a Senior Cricket Player and Coach (C Grade) for Gresford Cricket Club from 1977-1979 and was a Junior Cricket Manager/Coach from 1980-1989.
I played in three cricket grand finals, two for Torryburn and one for Gresford and won them all, he said.
He was the Treasurer of the Parents and Citizens Association at Gresford Public School from 1978-1981 and a Committee Member from 1981-1989.
Neville was the founder and Committee Member of Gresford Vacy Soccer Club from 1980-1994.
He received the National Medal in 1998 and was a Nominee for Citizen of the Year in Dungog Shire Council in 2007.
Neville will be invited to attend a special ceremony at Government House in Sydney later this year to receive his award.