Say thank you to the Hunter firies who battled the November 2016 bushfires

If you would like to say thank you to these hard-working individuals, leave a message here.

Whether you were on the front line, or showed up to cook the barbecue lunch – we want to thank everyone who helped keep the Hunter safe during this tough time!

To leave a message fill in the form at the bottom of this page.

Thank you to the firefighters, family, friends and neighbours for their courageous efforts to save our house and the surroundings of Cessnock Racecourse

- Stephen and Tracey Tapp and the Newcastle Jockey Club

I was proud to have witnessed first hand the incredible acts of bravery and courage display by our fire fighting agencies and the commitment they had to protecting life and property at the race course fire in Cessnock. 14 years ago a similar fire impacted on the Cessnock communities and sadly resulted in loss of life and property. I know that like myself the fire fighters who remember that day were determined not to let that happen again. I would like to thank all the community for all the help and support that was given to our fire fighters and all the volunteer agencies and local businesses that provided food and support. Be very proud Cessnock you have the best fire fighters in the world protecting you communities. 

- John Ryan Group Officer NSWRFS Lower Hunter, North Rothbury

My BIG THANK YOU is to both police and fire-fighters. Thank you do much for saving our home and most of all our lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for saving the hunter from this destruction Hats off to all of you.

- Natasha Bell, Aberdare

THANKYOU THANKYOU for saving our town and houses to watch the incredible job all of you did is just amazing to the on ground troops and the helicopters, water planes , and the big girl Southern Belle THANKYOU THANKYOU 

- Kelli & Jamie, Karuah

Thanks for the awesome job you do, you guys work so hard in times like this leaving family and spending more time for the sake of this community and country. Thanks to all the fire fighters, SES and to all services that have helped, without you guys where would we be. Heroes 

- Nada, East Maitland

Aussie fire fighters are built tough to take on such a demanding and scary job protecting all of us people in the community. My hat goes off to each and everyone of you . Thankyou

 – Emma, Cessnock

We are forever greatful to you for putting out the fire and saving our home. Thanks for keeping our people, homes, and town safe. Legends each and everyone of you. Also major thanks to all the volunteers who are keeping people hydrated and fed and cared for.

- Michael & Emmi, Cessnock

Thank you so much to the rfs you risk your lives all year round, to protect our lives and our homes and even our animals..the job you do is amazing thank you from my family..also to the partners/children and other relatives who wait at home for this man and women to come back safely thank you as well.

- Melissa Wallis, Wangi Wangi

Biggest thank you to the men and women on ground and in the air who braved these crazy fires and helped save our communities. You guys are absolutely amazing!

- Bree, Cessnock

Excellent job - true heroes of the Hunter. Thank you!

- Jacqui OToole, Bolwarra

Huge respect!!!

- Karyn, Nelson Bay

Thank you to the RFS, State Forest workers and all emergency crews working at Wallaroo, Twelve Mile Creek and Karuah. Great job by all.

- Ann, Broadmeadow

Furies are awesome!! Huge respect and appreciation for the amazing job you all do.

- Kristine Collingwood, Gillieston Heights

Thank you to the North Rothbury RFS Brigade who helped us on Saturday protect our house and animals. You were a great professional calming influence. How you guys stand there and battle 10 metre high flames is beyond me. True heroes all of you and all other members of the RFS.

- A&A Smyth, Kearsley

To all our local fire fighters & those from far & wide......We salute you. Take a bow ladies & gentelmen, you have done our town proud! 

- Charlie Mclennan, Cessnock

You guys did a brilliant job saving houses in Quorrobolong. THanks and well done all of you.

- Robyn & Keith Dunlop, Ellalong

As a NSWRFS member i would like to say a big thank you to all our families for supporting us while we go out and attend to these fires when we get the call. Also a big thank you to the people in the background that help and support us while we are out on the fireground. Also thank you to all the people who have taken the time to thank us for helping you... Thank you all!

- Brett, East Branxton

Thank you guys ♡

- Sofi, Aberdare

My Son has been out fighting the Lone Pine fire since it started doing shifts over 12 hours long his work gave him Monday and Tuesday off so he could continue to help fight the fire. So thank you to all whom have been involved in keeping us safe and also to the Westpac Branch for allowing my son to have the days off work it truely is a community effort, to say I am a proud mum is an understatement.

- Sue Hatton, Ashtonfield

We can't thank you enough for all the amazing work you guys/girls have done. You have kept our town safe thank you so much.

- Kiera, Cessnock

Thank you so much for all your work over the last few days , we would be lost with out you guys and gals. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart,

- Bev Woods, Aberglasslyn

Cheers to the RFS!!

- Wilksy, Medowie

My parents live in Gordon Avenue, Cessnock and have rebuilt twice after flooding. To now have been threatened with fire was tough for an elderly couple. Thankyou can never express the feelings so many feel. You saved lives and property - real super heros..…

- Sue Richards, Ashtonfield

Thank you

- Leanne, Woodbury

Thank you for the relentless effort that went into fighting these fires and saving so many homes. All firefighters and local volunteers did an amazing job!

- Cheryl, Kitchener

Thank you for your dedication and the great work to save lives property wild life but most of your own safety ❤️

- Jenny and Steve Denman, Muswellbrook

A massively thank you from all of the communities you kept safe. These men and women are so brave and courageous with out you the outcome would have been terrifying. We're so lucky to have people like you guys that puts out towns first!

- Jules, Cessnock

Absolute Hero's every single one of them.

- Denise Butler, Rutherford

Thank you all, you're our everyday heros. Without people like you we as a community would be so much the worse off.

- Deb Jee, East Maitland

I want to thank you for keeping friends and family members of mine safe. I can't say just how greatful I am. Thank you.

- Jennifer, Nulkaba

Your efforts will never be forgotten. You all saved businesses, homes and so much more. The trauma's that you have to deal with is just unimmaginable. Thank you.

- Dee Davidson, Cessnock

Thank you for your tireless efforts protecting us all!

- Sveta, Thornton

As always you guys come through with your skills and willing ca-do attitudes!. Fantastic work!. Thank you for spending your time protecting and serving your community. We all appreciate it!. Well done and I hope it eases soon xxxx

- Dearne, Wayne and family, Central Coast

Awesome job guys and girls from the trucks to cars to the road closure people a big thank you .

- Joanne Hayward, Kitchener

Thank you to all who helped in the recent bushfires. True heroes.

- Karen, Aberglasslyn

Thanks to everyone involved. Massive effort in terrible conditions. You guys and gals are real heros!

- Scott, Nulkaba

Thank you so much for the great job you do protecting the community.

- Knipe, Cessnock

Thanks so much for all your hard work in everything you do.Getting the Pacific High open so quickly was brilliant.Great job.

- Jill Delforce, Burrell Creek

Thank you for looking after my sister and her family.

- Susan Hickson, Sutton Forest 2577

After being a volunteer rfs member years ago before my kids i understand the massive battle and toll this took on u physically and emotionally all with families of your own at home which of whom may have been under threat. i take my hat off to all men and women from all emergency services and say thank u for ur tremdous effort. I hope one day to be back out on the front line to fight beside u all. keep up the fantastic work x

- Tash, Aberdare

Such amazing and often thankless work. Thank you do much! Amazing stuff!

- Tim, Bellbird

Months of scenario training culminates into a few days...out of area teams added their own spice to shake this event together...congratulations rfs, volunteers and the community for upkeeping the scores....with you in spirit, a lot of my childhood playtime went up to the spirits in the sky...god bless..

- Trevor, Gosford

I have family & friends so close to the fires! You kept our people & horses safe. Thank you. You are the heroes of our town. xxx

- Johnine, Kurri Kurri 

Thanks for all your hard work and dedication, you are all awesome.

- Chris, Cessnock

Words don't even begin to describe the selflessness of all of those who spent nights away from their own families to look after others. You all are the ultimate heroes. I wish there was more that we could do to show you how appreciative I'm sure we all are of what you have done. You put your life on the line to help strangers and that is truly heroic on its own. Many of you do it without any form of payment and that's truly amazing. You all should be so proud of yourselves for doing what you do. The bravery, the selflessness, the heroic actions don't even begin to describe you. THANKYOU!!

- Laura, Lambton

Admiration and respect. I had to leave home the day the fires broke, but was vigilant in watching news and RFS website for updates. Returned today heart in mouth at what I was coming home to and was floored to see that it was all but under control. Sent chills down my spine thinking of what the fire fighters must have achieved in 24 hours. Bloody legends.

- Mel, Salamander Bay

A big thank u to all u fire fighters who put there own lives at risk to save homes and lives thank u from the bottom of my heart well done.

- Vanessa, Cessnock

Everything you do, you do it with courage! Every step you make, you make it with no hesitation! You are true heroes, you save homes, you save lives, you are all selfless beings! Thank you!

- Cassie Aberdare

Thank you to all you amazing hard working people including the pilots who kept us all safe xx

- Judy, Bellbird

Thank you all for your hard work and awesome efforts with the bush fires. You are all doing an awesome job. If it wasn't for all of you the outcome would have been a lot worse. You are all heroes.

- Rebecca, Raymond Terrace

To everyone involved Male and Female from near and far "THANK YOU" Not one house was lost, no persons injured and all livestock saved.

- Sandra Stewart, Kitchener

The words "thank you" are like a drop in the ocean compared to the gratitude, respect and awe I feel for all of you heroic firefighters and all the support teams with you. We are in an area that so easily could have burned. My sister had the fire right to her fence on 3 sides of her house and you stopped it. WOW!!!!! My daughter lives in a little village outside of town and it was badly affected but all was saved. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

- Diane, Cessnock

Thank you so much. The effort from everyone involved was amazing and every firefighter and all the people that helped in any way should be proud. You saved us all xo thank you

- The White Family, Abernethy

Your work is tireless, confronting, relentless, dangerous and you are heros! Thank you for your amazing work, your dedication to saving our homes, lives & communities and for all you give up in your lives so fire doesn't destroy ours. Our home and property was saved by you guys on Saturday afternoon/night & you were still brilliant enough to keep giving my daughters thumbs up at 10pm at night. We will be forever grateful of your actions and can not THANK YOU enough

- Jess, Heddon Greta

Thank you! All of you for keeping us all safe! It will be forever appreciated!

- Christine, Medowie

Thank you so much for all the amazing work you have done.

- Rachael, Cessnock

Thank you for all your hard work and amazing efforts in protecting our community.

- Lew, Kitchener

Thanks for doing what you guys do. Someone's got to do the risky job and we appreciate those that step up to do it.

- Monique, Aberglasslyn

Shout out to all firies who battled against all fires these last several days, especially the ones defending the homes of the families of Kitchener, Aberdare, Racecourse Rd and Cessnock. Thank you to all who put in the time, energy and effort to combat these fires. You guys and gals do an amazing job and for that I am truly grateful.

- Alysha, Cessnock

Thank you to each and everyone of you who took time away from your families to be front line protecting our community and putting your life on the line. One of the most scariest weekends of my life.

- Lee, Kitchener

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication. I am awe struck at how readily you all put your lives on the line to save others. Many blessings to you all xxx

- Leeta, Bellbird Heights

Thank u for all your hard work and keep us safe

- Bonnie, Aberdare

Thank u awesome work!!!

- Shay, Aberdare

Thank you! You are all so amazing!! We are so lucky to have such caring and hard working people in our communities.

- Alanna, Cessnock

Thank you. For all you have done.

The sacrifices, lack of sleep, putting yourselves in a scary and dangerous position to save lives and houses. Thank you also to everyone else that had any involvement in fighting these fires. To all that helped, and volunteered their own time. 

Many many thanks. Can't imagine the exhaustion you must be feeling. God bless you and yours.

- Pip, Cessnock

Thank you to all the fire fighters and support crew, without you all god only knows what would happen.

- Leanne Hancock, Wollongong

I would like to thanks the men and women who put there lives at risk to save others and plus the wild life as well you are true heroes .

- Karen, Cessnock

Thank you

- Mel, Aberglasslyn

Thank you for not only fighting this fire but all fires past, present and future. You guys deserve credit all year round!

- Beth, Cessnock

To the police and all other organisations and to their families.

- Stacie-lee White 

You firefighters are all heroes! a huge thank you to each and everyone of you.

- Lindy Lou 

A resounding thank you to all the firefighters and everyone, including the Rural Fire Service, the police, the pilots and the volunteers, associated with working so hard to put out the fires. You are so very much appreciated.

- Heather Smith 

Thank you so very much to all of you wonderful firefighters.  Hughes clan. Heddon Greta. Our heroes.

- Paul Hughes 

Thank you doesn't seem enough, for the exhausting effort you guys and girls put in during the bushfire season.

- Joanne Martin 

Thank you for an amazing job you all did.

- Kellie O'Brien 

Thank you each and everyone of you. Bless you.

- Suzanne Thoma

So proud to have you look after us could not do without you putting your life on the line for us.

- Jill Pritchard 

Thank you and stay safe

- Carol Gallagher 

THANK YOU!.

We could never repay all of you for all you have done for our community

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! And still going 

- Kristi Derrick Bruce 

Thankyou to all the fireys and everyone who helped the fireys. Great job done by all.

- Karen Collins 

Thanku for everything thing u do and have done I have nothing but respect for each and everyone of u .

- Cass Evans 

A fantastic job thanks

- Patricia Pringle-Brunton

THANKING YOU

- Sandy Goldy 

Job well done to all X Thank you for giving up your weekend to protect our town xx

- Mish Elle 

Stay safe

- Pat Jenkins 

Thank you

- Yvonne Bailey Wealands 

Thank you for your help 

- ​Harvy Dhaliwal 

Thank you to each and everyone, yet again the people of this town have rallied together, whether it be our fire personel or individuals offering help, together we are one.

- Lynne Caldwell 

You all rock!

- Tracey Aglio 

Thankyou 

- Aimie O' Neill 

Bloody legends

- Bert Sampson 

Thank you

-Jaime-Lee MoxeyTowndrow 

Thank you 

- Jean Meemah McCrohon 

Thank you to all our emergency crews for all your wonderful hard work protecting our community.

- Rae Craike  

Thank you

- Leesa Nightingale 

Great job boy's .....thank you thank you all

 – Judith Craft 

A wonderful achievement from all hard working community workers thanks a lot for everything.

- Vicki Brady 

Thankyou so much for saving my house, you're absolute legends 🙈❤️

- Maddison, Cessnock

I know Thank You just isn't enough for the amazing work you fellas do but that is all I can deeply say, so a huge Thank You for keeping us safe

- Sinclairs, Cessnock

Just moved to the area what a great job everyone awesome. 

- Bernadette Bourke, Kitchener

Amazing effort guys and girls..as always! Wish i could've been out there helping. 

- Craig XXXX, Cessnock

A huge Thank You to everyone involved over the past 4 days.

Also a special shout out to Station 202

- Jess Heuston, Weston

Thank you

- Christine Taranto

Thank you

- Pearl Brown 

Thank you so much boys and girls, you are true heroes.

- Robyn, Neath

So much Thanks & respect to all the fire fighters and emergency services who tirelessly fought to save property and lives & made sure everyone was safe. You are all true champions. THANK YOU SO MUCH 😊 

- Marg Bright, Neath

We have the best firefighters in the world! Thanks guys. xxx

- Terrena, South Cessnock

I had several grandkids with me during the fires, who were very afraid but I reassured them that their was heaps of man and woman out there helping to put out the flames and smoke that they could see,and that God as given these people water instead of wings to be our angels to watch over us, thank you to each and every person that helped keep my family safe, including all the people that kept these angels fed and watered xx

- Rhonda Carr, Bellbird

Thanks for keeping our family safe

- Kylie, Karuah

Thank you. You's are heroes. You risk your lives to save ours and we are forever greatful ❤️

- Brookie, Cessnock

you guys n gals are awesome, thanks heaps for working tirelessly to hold off the huge fires over the weekend, specially Kitchener where my family live. A great effort and we are all very grateful for what you do, this day and all days. Stay safe in the service you provide.

- Lynne Sternbeck, Kitchener

Massive shoutout to all the guys and girls who gave up there weekend and family time to be out, giving there all and doing the best they can through the days and nights and days after to try and keep us all and our properties safe.

Without you people out there being the heroes you are, we would be in for some pretty bad and dark times.

So thank you to all you volunteer fire fighters and all the others out there, we appreciate everything you do 👌🏼👍🏼

- Brendan, Paxton

Thank you so much for the quick response and great co-ordination of fire brigades planes and helicopters

well done 

- Sandra and Stewart Dalton, Kearsley

Thank you so very much for keeping our community safe. You are all heros. 

- The Green Family, Kitchener

Thank you very much, for your sacrifices & services. Lots of love from, a former Kurri Kurri fireman's, niece xxx

- Vicki Hafey, Kurri Kurri

Thank you so much for being our true heroes and keeping us all safe. There is no way to repay you all for the kindness and absolute selflessness you have all shown. Thank you a million times over xxx

- The MacDonalds, Abernethy

Thank you for keeping our town safe. You saved so many lives and houses from being burned.

- Charmayne, Bellbird

Thankyou to all those involved, you are such hard workers, I was overwhelmed watching you here, and so bloody grateful!!. You are amazing. Also, it was amazing to learn the guys flying the big planes only came in last week from America 😊 #legends #thankyou xxx

- April, Kitchener

Thank you to everyone involved for giving up your weekend to protect our community. #Legends

- Mish Elle, Cessnock

Thank you so much for all the hard work that you all have done over the past 4 days. You may not think you are heroes but in the eyes of all our communities you are. So a big THANK YOU again for all your hard work.

- Cunningham Family, Kearsley 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU.

- Terry, Cessnock

Thank you so much guys. You guys are the true heros of this country ! ☺

- April, Cessnock

Thanks for everything you guys and girls have done over the past few days. You are all true Aussie legends!

- Jason, Aberdare

Thank you so much for all the hard work that yous all done, without all you lives and homes would of been lost. Thank you 😊 Xoxo

- Rumneys, Kearsley

Thank you for all you do to keep us safe, for your sacrifices, your enduring efforts, you are all heroes.

- Kay Brett 

Thank you heaps u all did an amazing job our heroes.

- Angie Craig Brown 

I live at Kitchener my greatest thanks to all firefighters and helpers behind the scenes.

- Sharmaine Blanche 

Thank you to all.

- Ray Callaway 

Thank you for all you did.

- Susan Hawson 

The heroes of our country. Thank you for keeping everyone safe.

- Janine, Cessnock

Thank you for all of your hard work! I thanked all of our hard-working emergency personnel in Parliament today:

- Meryl Swanson MP, Buchanan

Excellent job.

- Cindy Steele 

Thank you for an amazing job that you have all done.

- Debra Nicol

I am very grateful for all that uses have done, you put your own lifes at risk to protect ours , we wont be here if it wasn’t for what uses have done during this very hard and hot time and for the reason it all started you should be ashamed of yourself uses could of killed families and animals for your 5 minutes of fun people could have lost their homes, loved ones and belongs. We are all grateful 

- Sarah Pittman, Cessnock

Thank you to all on the ground and in the air. You are all brave heroes.

- Judith Ann Mcalister 

We thank you guys.

- Cee Spliet 

Thank you guys yous did a amazing job

- Sharney, Cessnock

Great work from all involved, loved working with you guys and girls

- Graham (Agro), Medowie

Thanks guys and gals---you are heroes

- Brett, Medowie