Bushfire brigades honoured for efforts to save town from blaze as shire celebrates its first Dandjoo Day

The bushfire brigades of Borden, Gnowangerup and Ongerup have been honoured at the Shire of Gnowangerup’s first Dandjoo Day celebrations after being named the community group of the year.

Dandjoo Day is to be held annually and rotate among the shire’s three main towns with the 2026 awards held at the Borden Pavilion on March 13.

As well as the group award, Darren Robertson, Rod Moir and Murray Hayward were honoured as citizens of the year, each receiving certificates of achievement from Gnowangerup shire president Kate O’Keeffe.

Mr Robertson was named citizen of the year, Mr Moir was the senior citizen of the year and Mr Hayward, the young citizen.

The Borden, Gnowangerup and Ongerup bushfire brigades were nominated following their battle in December to save farms, livestock and Ongerup itself from an out-of-control blaze in Mindarabin.

Cr O’Keeffe praised the efforts of the volunteers whom she called “an inspiration”.

“On December 16, led by incident controller Darren Baum, they co-ordinated and managed over 100 firefighters and resources in extreme weather conditions,” she said.

“Their extraordinary effort and determination stopped the fire from travelling to Ongerup town site.

“Everyone’s bravery, selfless mindset and tireless contribution need to be highly recognised.”

She added they also performed heroically to save houses, flora and fauna at a house fire, a tip fire and reacted to five separate arson roadside incidents.

Mr Robertson was honoured for his volunteer roles with St John WA and the bushfire brigade, while Mr Moir’s 30-year stint as organiser of the Borden Anzac Day service, along with his wife Sue, was recognised.

Attendees were told junior citizen Mr Haywood is “always there for young people” according to his citation, whether helping with junior football and cricket or simply shooting hoops in the park.

Cr O’Keeffe said volunteers were the lifeblood of the community.

“Volunteers are the backbone of regional communities like ours,” she said.

“Their generosity, commitment and willingness to step forward, often without recognition, makes our towns stronger, kinder and more connected.”