Indian-origin volunteer firefighter Brijal Parikh has been recognised for 10 years of dedicated service with the Pakenham Fire Brigade in Victoria, receiving a 10 Years of Service Award at the brigade’s annual dinner and awards night.
The milestone celebrates a decade of volunteering, teamwork and community involvement, highlighting the important role volunteer firefighters play in supporting local communities across Australia.
Reflecting on her journey, Parikh expressed gratitude to past and present members of the brigade, acknowledging the friendships, learning opportunities and shared experiences that have shaped her time in the service.
“Volunteering has never just been about responding to emergencies – it’s about the friendships, teamwork, learning and the community we’re part of,” Parikh said.
Her recognition formed part of the brigade’s annual dinner, which celebrated members for their commitment, achievements and years of service.
Pakenham Fire Brigade Recognises Outstanding Contributions
The annual awards night recognised firefighters across several categories for their dedication and contributions to the brigade.
Aleks Feher received both the Len Marshall Award for Firefighter of the Year and the Rob Goulding Award. Chloe Thorp was presented with the Neil Poulton Award, while David Edwards received the Robert “Robbie” MacGregor Award, formerly known as the Captains Award. Judith Edwards received the Brendan Brown Award.
Additional honours included the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Star for Michael Paige, while Kelly Ryan received the National Emergency Medal. Charlie Landsdown was recognised with the National Emergency Medal and its third and fourth clasps.
Celebrating Decades of Volunteer Service
The brigade also acknowledged members reaching significant service milestones. Susan Mongelli and Nat Morgan marked five years of service, while Parikh and Shymma Harris reached the 10-year milestone. Nathan Thorp celebrated 15 years, and Matt Ryan was recognised for 25 years of service.
Jean Kelsey received special recognition for an extraordinary 65 years of service. Adrian Bailey, Michael Paige and David Edwards were also awarded life membership in recognition of their contributions to the brigade.
A notable highlight was the combined 135 years of service contributed by siblings Charlie Landsdown and Jean Kelsey, demonstrating the enduring commitment of volunteers to emergency services and community safety.
With a history spanning 98 years, the Pakenham Fire Brigade continues to rely on the dedication of its members to support the local community and respond to emergencies.
Parikh’s 10-year milestone reflects the value of sustained volunteer service and the contribution of Australians from diverse backgrounds to the country’s emergency services. Her recognition also highlights the teamwork, community connections and shared commitment that underpin volunteer firefighting.
