Former NSW Fire Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has been named the state’s Australian of the Year.
Mr Fitzsimmons led more than 70,000 staff and firefighters in response to one of the state’s worst ever bushfire seasons that hit NSW shortly before the nation was overcome by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the terrifying bushfire season, Australians were reassured by the exemplary leadership and empathetic presence of then NSW Fire Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons,” National Australia Day chief Karlie Brand said of his win.
Mr Fitzsimmons began as a volunteer firefighter in 1985, following the lead of his father George, who was tragically killed in during a hazard reduction burn back in 2000.
The 51-year-old became Commissioner in 2007 and held that role for 12 years before retiring.
Meanwhile, Australia’s oldest living survivor of the stolen generation, Wiradjuri elder and Stolen Generation advocate Isabel Reid (pictured), 88, has been named NSW Senior Australian of the Year.
And refugee women’s advocate, Rosemary Kariuki has received the 2021 NSW Local Hero award.
Ms Kariuki, 60, works as a multicultural community liaison officer for Parramatta Police.
Ms Brand said all of the NSW Australians of the Year, were people who had led by example in their communities.
“Their efforts are truly inspirational, providing leadership in crises, paving the way for others, showing us what is possible, fighting for what is right and helping those in need,” she said.
