Community & Business
31 January, 2025
Three cheers for Greer
Longstanding Cambooya Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Garry Greer was honoured as the Cambooya Citizen of the Year at this year’s Cambooya Australia Day festivities.
An emotional Mr Greer was presented the award by Toowoomba Region Councillor Carol Taylor, alongside the Junior Sports, Community Group of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards.
It is the second time Mr Greer has received the prestigious accolade, having also received it in 2014, while family member Rohan was joint winner in 2023.
The morning began with a free hot barbecue breakfast, face painting for the kids and live music performed by the talented Cambooya Rockers.
Graeme Lotz again proved entertaining as the M.C. of the event and last year’s Citizen of the Year John Archer, another Cambooya Rural Fire Brigade volunteer, served as the Local Ambassador.
A healthy crowd enjoyed overcast conditions which provided a cooler temperature than is usually the case.
Garry Greer has been selflessly serving his community through his contribution to the Cambooya Rural Fire Brigade for three decades.
Leading the rural fire brigade in his voluntary role as the First Officer, Garry has provided direction and leadership during brigade operations, ensured the safety of brigade members and firefighters, ensured the maintenance of brigade equipment, completed all mandatory training and administration requirements and represented the brigade at many meetings and official functions.
This role, which Garry has held for 20 years, has displayed his genuine interest in community work and his willingness to develop a positive culture.
Since 1994, Garry has put himself in the centre of dangerous situations for the sole benefit of his neighbours, responding to different emergencies, including grass fires, road accidents, house fires and large-scale emergency bushfires.
One of the most dangerous events that Garry has responded to was the 2019 Stanthorpe/Applethorpe fires.
Garry’s contribution to the Cambooya Rural Fire Brigade is unmatched and he is a truly outstanding citizen.
