Community & Business
12 August, 2023
Jeanette recognised for selfless dedication
CONTINUING her father’s values and ethics to help the community, Jeanette Hodgkinson has been recognised for her volunteering efforts.
This dedication, of more than 23 years, has seen Ms Hodgkinson recognised with the Queensland Rural Fire Service Northern Region Volunteer of the Year award.
Ms Hodgkinson is the current secretary/treasurer of the Irvinebank Rural Fire Service which is part of the bigger Northern Region area covering more than 369sq/km.
From Cardwell all the way up to Papua New Guinea, the Northern Region is made up of mostly inaccessible gorge land and station-owned country. They help with national park burnoffs and give support to the State Emergency Service when needed.
For the majority of her RFS volunteering career, Ms Hodgkinson has worked tirelessly in the background helping to organise crews, feeding volunteers, developing their Irvinebank headquarters and been a steady communications controller helping to support crews as they battle fires.
However, this changed about seven years ago when she decided it was time to increase her capabilities and skills. Ms Hodgknison said she gained her truck licence and increased her skillset to head out to the fire fronts.
She’s also a Volunteer Community Educator - helping to join and educate the community with the RFS values.
“I like to just do what I do under the radar. It’s nice to know people can see I have done a good job,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“It’s just part of my nature. My dad used to volunteer and help the community. I grew up with those values and ethics and have continued to, but I wouldn’t have been able to without the support of Mark at home, either.”
At the presentation on Thursday in Mareeba, RFS Regional Manager for Far Northern Region, Lawrence Laing, said the award celebrated Ms Hodgkinson’s dedication to the service.
“What is being recognised is the work that you do in the background throughout the years,” Mr Laing said.
“That’s what makes a community – people like yourself who pull together are what makes it what it is today.”
RFS Area Director Nick Bloomfield said it was the background work Ms Hodgkinson did that people often didn’t see.
“There’s so much more that goes into making those trucks go out. You do give your time up to the community and it’s all of that which is why you are a deserved winner.”
RFS week runs from Sunday 30 July to 5 August and recognises the work and dedication of the volunteers who help protect our communities.
