Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) North-East Team Leader, Charles Hajek has been awarded a National Emergency Medal for his efforts during the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
Mr Hajek contributed to the bushfire response and recovery effort in his former role at the Department of Primary Industries (now the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning).
Commencing on Black Saturday, Mr Hajek’s focus was on coordinating the assessment of agricultural impacts and the recovery needs of landholders within fire affected areas.
He worked in the incident management team at Benalla and managed a large team of field staff who were interacting with hundreds of landholders, many of whom were highly distressed.
The National Emergency Medal Award was established in 2011 and is included in the Australian Honours System. It is awarded to recipients who meet strict criteria.
EPA Chief Executive Officer, Nial Finegan said the award recognised Mr Hajek’s significant contribution to the community during an extremely distressing time for Victorians.
“We’re extremely proud Mr Hajek has been awarded this great honour and to have such high calibre officers like him among our ranks,” Mr Finegan said.
Mr Hajek was awarded the honour at a ceremony last Friday.