25/01/2026
So very much deserved.
Bradbury CFS extends its sincere congratulations to brigade member Martin Carney on receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal.
For distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.
Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
South Australia
Mr Martin Osmund Carney
Mr Martin Carney has served the South Australian Country Fire Service (SA CFS) for nearly 50 years, beginning in 1980 as a member of the Bradbury Brigade in Bradbury. Soon after joining, he was appointed as a training officer, a role he has continued to excel in throughout his service. Mr Carney has also served as brigade captain and other frontline operational roles at local and regional levels, demonstrating prolonged exposure to hazardous environments during major fire events.
Mr Carney’s operational service is complemented by his expertise in training and preparedness. Drawing on his background in risk management, he developed a comprehensive skills-based training program for the Bradbury Brigade, covering fire behaviour, weather patterns, terrain, communications, and safety. This program has significantly improved operational readiness and volunteer capability. His service with the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission as a volunteer support officer for Region 1
strengthened brigade cohesion, while his later role as the state manager of Emergency Services for Red Cross SA saw him lead major deployments to disasters such as Cyclone Larry, the Queensland floods and Victoria’s Black Saturday fires.
A passionate advocate for community education, Mr Carney created and delivered an impactful, map-based bushfire preparedness program for households in local communities. He was also an early and active supporter of women in operational firefighting roles, helping to foster a more inclusive culture within the SA CFS. Following the 2021 Cherry Gardens fire, he provided compassionate and practical support to firefighters and families affected by loss and trauma.
Mr Carney has made an enduring contribution to community safety through his leadership in hazardous operations, his innovation in volunteer training, and his commitment to resilience and inclusion. His outstanding service exemplifies the highest standards of the South Australian Country Fire Service.
