Community spirit: Rochester Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant Brett Kyne was the recipient of Rochester RSL sub-branch’s Spirit of Anzac award, the first time since 2019 that the award had been presented.
Long-time Rochester CFA volunteer Brett Kyne has been recognised for his service to the town with the Rochester RSL sub-branch Spirit of Anzac award.
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It is the first time since 2019 that the award has been presented, due to COVID-19 cancellations.
It was developed and instituted by Rochester RSL sub-branch past-president John Glover in 2014 to mark the centenary of the start of World War I.
The purpose of the award is to honour individuals from the Rochester district who display those attributes of character that are frequently described as portraying the spirit of Anzac.
Mr Kyne, who is 1st Lieutenant with the Rochester brigade, is a father-of-three and a 27-year member of the fire service.
He accepted the award during the Anzac Day commemorative service and, as part of the honour, carried the Australian flag at the front of the parade.
Five criteria were considered in naming Mr Kyne as the award winner, among those a proviso that the recipient is a member of the Rochester RSL sub-branch area of influence, including Rochester, Lockington, Corop, Nanneella, Timmering, Bamawm and Ballendella.
Leading the way: Mr Kyne and flag bearers lead the Rochester Anzac Day march along Gillies St last week.
While not having to be a member of the RSL — Mr Kyne is an affiliate member — the nominee must have made a noteworthy contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity.
Other nomination criteria include that the community contribution must be characterised by selflessness, enthusiasm and dedication, positively impact the community, show leadership and be consistent with RSL ideals of service, sacrifice, mateship, loyalty, welfare and commemoration.
Since the award’s inception in 2014, the follow individuals and groups have been recognised by the award: 2014 — Annette Waters (Rochester); 2015 — Joan Jenkins (Nanneella), Heather Watson (Rochester) and Faye Walkley (Rochester); 2016 — the Davis family (Bamawm); 2017 — Kaye McFarlane (Rochester); 2018 — Lorraine Haines (Rochester), Alan Darbyshire (Rochester), Sarah Trewick (Rochester), Graeme Nelson (Rochester), Leanne Pentreath (Lockington), Hannah Thompson (Rochester); 2019 — Gladys McArdle (Rochester) and Rochester SES Unit.
Flying the flag: Long-time CFA volunteer Brett Kyne prepares to start the Rochester Anzac Day march outside the shire hall last Tuesday.
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