Awards 2023

Peter X Bhana

Nominated by Therese Balanzategui 

Seconded by Terrence Foley

Peter Bhana was born in Hokatika on the West coast of Now Zealand. He joined the LABASHEEDA PARK Volunteer Bushfire Brigade in 1993, after moving to this area. Peter continues to live on his large rural property, with mangoes, a wet season creek and abundant garden produce.

Back then, there weren't many people living at Fly Creek or Darwin River. Chibnall road was just a goat track. But there was no Gamba grass, so fires were very different.

Peter recalls being recruited by a neighbour, making up the brigade force of three, with no motorized vehicles, just a towable water cart/ trailer. The first ute "grass fire unit" arrived in 1995, a second-hand vehicle from WA.

During his early years with the brigade, Peter's regular duty was to run the drip-torch whilst the others extinguished the blackened area behind him to create a burnt area to stop oncoming wildfires. "Bug-running" is a job usually given to the fittest on the brigade, as sometimes there are kilometres to walk. He once saw fire creep over a creek, where the grass was protruding above the water and the flames were carried by the wind.

During his early years with LPVBB, Peter was aware of racism amongst his peers, and was determined to continue to be part of the brigade regardless. His persistence paid off, as he later became the Deputy Captain and a Fire Warden, continuing to volunteer many hours to this cause.

Peter continues to serve his community as an active member of the LPVBB — this year marks his 30th year! He is an outstanding example of the many Volunteer Bushfire Brigadesmen and women and we must further our determination to acknowledge them.