Here's cheers to volunteers

MORE than four decades of distinguished volunteer work within the Rural Fire Brigade landed Lockyer Valley firefighter John Vayro a special place on the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Mr Vayro joined 540 other Australians to grace the illustrious honours list including high profile recipients such as motor racing great Craig Lowndes.

The Iredale and Flagstone Rural Fire Brigade member said the award was unexpected but was privileged to have received the accolade.

"I knew nothing about it," he said.

"I'm very grateful I made the list, I've been in the fire service all my life."

Mr Vayro is to receive the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in conjunction with the Queen's Birthday Honours List later this year.

Mr Vayro was considered for the honour due to his distinguished service as a long-serving volunteer, providing commitment and leadership for the rural fire service brigades in Gatton and the establishment of effective rural fire brigade groups.

As a fire warden for the past 30 years, Mr Vayro also displayed professionalism in assisting landholders to use fire as a land management tool with the wider community benefiting from his focus on community education.

During his 40 years as a rural firefighter Mr Vayro also championed the 'zero harm' culture for the safety of all firefighters and was dedicated to delivering quality training to brigade members.

In his 13th year as an administration officer, looking after the areas Rural Fire Brigades finances, Mr Vayro said he enjoyed being able to help the community out during difficult times.

"I've lived here all my life," he said.

"It's what I do for the community and if I didn't do it here I'd be doing it somewhere else."

Mr Vayro encouraged more volunteers to get involved with the fire service and thanked all who he had served with during his career.