STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Dr SCAMPS (Mackellar) (13:36): I want to read an excerpt of a speech I heard at the West Pittwater RFS AGM recently, as it is a wonderful tribute to retiring captain Andrew 'Cuts' Cutler and is emblematic of the commitment and sacrifice of so many in similar positions across Mackellar. The speech was made by another legend and former captain of the unit, Wayne Lazarides.

The excerpt reads: As Captain, Cuts was a powerful force, and he always led from the front. I don't know what drives Andrew, or where he found the energy to keep going for 13 years. But I do think I have some understanding of what it cost him.

As brigade members we hear the pager go off, at the fireground, the training nights, the meetings and the public moments. What we don't always see are the countless decisions made behind the scenes. The responsibility that follows you home.

The phone calls that interrupt family dinners. The sleepless nights during campaign fires. The weight of knowing that every decision has consequences, and that the safety of your crew (your friends) and the welfare of your community can rest on your judgement.

Leadership carries a price. Sometimes it's measured in time. Sometimes in missed moments with family.

Sometimes in criticism. Sometimes simply in the burden of always being the person expected to have the answers. What I admire most is that Andrew kept turning up.

Whatever the challenge, whatever the criticism, whatever the pressure, he kept turning up. He kept putting one foot in front of the other, year after year. He always gave 100%.