VICTORIA. — Three dedicated CFA volunteers have been recognised in the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Greg Snart from Macedon CFA and Raymundo (Ray) Rosales from Mernda CFA were named recipients of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards, and Noel Austin received a Highly Commended award.
The awards celebrate older Victorians who make a significant contribution to their communities through leadership, volunteering and service. Greg Snart has dedicated almost three decades to serving his community through CFA after joining Macedon Fire Brigade in 1997.
Greg said he is passionate about developing the next generation of CFA volunteers, mentoring brigade members and captains through training, guidance and leadership development.
“I take particular pride in fostering an inclusive brigade culture that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds,” Greg said.
“I am honoured to receive this recognition but just knowing I have helped make a difference in the lives of those in my community and in Victoria is accolade enough for me.”
Beyond emergency response, Greg delivers youth mental health first aid programs and provides fire safety education to schools, Landcare groups and aged care facilities.
Mernda CFA volunteer Raymundo (Ray) Rosales has been recognised for more than two decades of community service, both within CFA and through his extensive volunteer work supporting vulnerable Victorians.
Ray is passionate about giving and helping vulnerable families, asylum seekers, refugees, homeless and victims of family violence on top of responding to emergency incidents. He is a strong advocate for positive ageing and believes people of all ages can continue to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
“Everyone has something to offer, and the key to getting older is to stay active, stay connected, and CFA really offers people a place to do that,” Ray said.
Noel Austin, from Kaniva, has also been recognised for more than six decades of dedicated service to CFA and the wider community, becoming a respected leader and mentor across western Victoria. He joined CFA in 1964 and, more than 60 years later, remains an active and committed volunteer.
Beyond his brigade, he has trained hundreds of CFA volunteers in heavy vehicle and emergency response driving, while also contributing his practical expertise to the design and development of new CFA fire trucks in Victoria.
Noel said seeing others succeed has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his volunteering journey.
“I’ve always believed communities are strongest when people help one another and share their knowledge,” Noel said.
“It’s been a privilege to support volunteers over the years and watch them grow into leaders in their own right.”
CFA Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM congratulated the recipients on their well-deserved recognition.
“Greg, Noel and Ray exemplify the spirit of volunteering and community service that is at the heart of CFA,” Garry said.
“Their dedication extends well beyond emergency response. Through leadership, mentoring, community education and supporting vulnerable members of the community, they have made a remarkable difference to the lives of others.
“On behalf of CFA, I congratulate Greg, Noel and Ray on this outstanding achievement and thank them for their many years of service.”
