Region’s bushfire chief lauded with King’s Birthday honour for services to Augusta-Margaret River brigades

The region’s chief bushfire control officer has received one of the country’s highest awards in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s David Holland was on Monday recognised for his years of service to the region with the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal.

The dedicated Witchcliffe firefighter has held the shire’s top job for a decade while he and his family were strongly involved in local volunteer bushfire brigades.

The honours list announcement noted Mr Holland played a vital role in managing bushfire risk across the Capes region and was a veteran in what was “one of the State’s most active fire districts”.

Mr Holland has attended more than 250 incidents in his career, including the disastrous 2011 Margaret River and 2016 Waroona-Yarloop bushfires, as well as major fires elsewhere in WA.

After the 2011 disaster, Mr Holland served for 12 months with the shire’s recovery team helping affected residents rebuild their lives.

Mr Holland’s wife Dianne was also a respected operations commander while both their sons were active in bushfire brigades.

The award winner told the Times he was stunned at the high-level honour.

“When I started volunteering in my local bushfire brigade in 1998 and then the Fire and Rescue Service in 2012, I simply wanted to give back to the community,” he said.

“I’ve always thought it’s a privilege to live here in Augusta-Margaret River because it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world and I think we should do something to ensure it remains a great place to live.

“Some people coach their kids’ sports teams, while others, like me, volunteer for their local fire brigade to help keep the community safe.”

Mr Holland’s dedication to the role was lauded by shire president Julia Meldrum who said it was “no surprise” the 20-year firefighting veteran was recognised for his role protecting the community.

“David is an exceptional leader and dedicated to serving our community,” she said.

“He participates in State-level committees, then rolls his sleeves up and puts himself in jeopardy to protect people and their homes.

“At the same time, he cares about his mates and is unwavering in his commitment to the welfare of everyone who volunteers in our local fire brigades.”

The medal would be awarded in an official ceremony in Perth in September.