Published on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 11:43:44 AM

A lifetime of service to the community has earned Chris Hynes the highest honour available to a Bush Fire Service volunteer, with the Shire of Dardanup's Chief Bush Fire Control Officer awarded the prestigious Murray Lang Bushfire Service Award.

The award recognises volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service and made an exceptional contribution to the Bush Fire Service over the past 12 months.

Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said the award was a fitting recognition of Mr Hynes' decades of commitment to protecting the community and supporting volunteers.

"Chris has dedicated 40 years of his life to serving others, often in challenging and dangerous conditions, and this award is a reflection of the extraordinary contribution he has made to our community," Cr Gardiner said.

"His leadership, knowledge and commitment to supporting our brigades and volunteers are second to none.

"Volunteers like Chris are the backbone of our emergency services.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of his calibre leading our bush fire brigades, and this award highlights the impact one person can have through a lifetime of service."

Mr Hynes said he was honoured to receive the award and acknowledged the support of his family throughout his volunteering journey.

"I was honoured to be nominated and selected as a finalist, and then to receive the award was great," he said.

"The support I get from my wife Sandy and my two sons makes it easier, with all the disruptions to family life over the years, away chasing fires, organising crews and training."

Mr Hynes joined the Bush Fire Service more than four decades ago, drawn by the opportunity to be part of a team helping others in times of need.

"I wasn't into sports but being part of a team that responded to problems most people run from appealed to me," he said.

"The fire brigade was the right fit, learning new skills and putting those skills to good use."

Reflecting on his long service, Mr Hynes said mentoring fellow volunteers had been one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.

"I'm most proud of mentoring members, new and old, to take on roles they didn't think they were ready for and being part of something that has a positive effect in the community," he said.

As Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, Mr Hynes oversees the Shire's eight volunteer bush fire brigades and works closely with neighbouring local governments and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to ensure brigades are equipped, trained and ready to respond when needed.

He encouraged others to consider volunteering, saying it offered valuable skills, leadership opportunities and lifelong friendships while making a real difference in the community.

Shire of Dardanup Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Chris Hynes (centre) with
Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner (left) and CEO André Schönfeldt.

Shire of Dardanup Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Chris Hynes (third right) has been awarded the Murray Lang Bushfire
Service Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the Bush Fire Service and more than 45 years of volunteer service.

Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Coordinator Communications and Marketing | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.

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