A Stanwell Park resident has received one of the highest honours in firefighting, the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM). 

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Superintendent Gregory Houston is one of 732 people celebrated in the Australia Day honours list for 2025, which marks the 50th anniversary of our system to thank remarkable citizens for their contributions.

Greg joined the fire service at age 21, attracted by the idea of teamwork and the chance to form a bond with the community.

“I was, I suppose, looking for a challenge,” he said.

He found it. Over the course of the next three decades, Greg became FRNSW’s first aviation officer, crewing on helicopters and working with NSW Police’s Air Wing to better the fire service’s counter terrorism capability. He played a vital role in improving and expanding the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capabilities. He was deployed to natural disasters including the Thredbo landslide (1997), Christchurch earthquake (2011) and Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu (2015).

Over the course of his 35-year career, firefighting has changed hugely.

“There've been vast improvements with our uniforms, our protective clothing,” Greg said. “The job that we do has changed significantly, obviously keeping pace with technology.

“I got into the aviation space back in 2003 when seconded to work with the New South Wales Police Air Wing on a shared helicopter that we had.

“But basically all those roles that we did back then in a helicopter, we're essentially covering that role now with drones.

“We have drone capability throughout the state now. The technology that comes with that, it's mind-boggling. We've deployed drone operators overseas to help with the aftermath of natural disasters.

"Technology has been an absolute game changer in the firefighting industry.”

Greg worked locally for six years, as an inspector with FRNSW in Wollongong from 2013 to 2017, when he was promoted to Zone Commander Illawarra (Superintendent). In 2019 he was transferred to Sydney, where he is now Zone Commander Metro 1, responsible for the CBD and the eastern suburbs.

He is also president of the NSW Fire Brigades RSL sub-Branch and a board member of the Museum of Fire. In the past, he has led the FRNSW Ceremonial Team, been a Peer Support Officer, a committee member of the FRNSW Relief and Welfare Fund, and mentored young firefighters and officers.

Throughout his career, Greg has lived in Helensburgh and Stanwell Park, raising his family in the district. He thanks his wife, Kelly, for her patience and support, as well as the couple’s three adult children, eldest daughter Samantha and twins Angus and Kayla.

“They've been very tolerant over the last 35 years. There's been a lot of family celebrations and dinners missed because of the nature of my work. They've been very understanding and without them I wouldn't have been able to do it.”

On a personal level, Greg says the highlight of his working life has been the camaraderie and the bond with colleagues.

“You get to share the highs and the lows of the work that we do,” he said. “It’s a privilege to have those close bonds, and form very close family friends. People that I've worked with over the years – their kids have grown up with my kids, and they’re all good mates together. It's a community within a community, if you like.”

The Stanwell Park superintendent is one of three FRNSW officers in the 2025 honours list to receive an AFSM. It's a highly prestigious award that tops off a string of medals for excellence at home and abroad, with the variety of Greg's commendations showing the many ways that FRNSW serves the community. He's received everything from the National Emergency Medal (2019/20 Bushfire Clasp) to the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (Christchurch and Vanuatu Clasps) to a Letter of Commendation from the Royal Humane Society of NSW for actions at a motor vehicle collision in 2002.

“The ability to assist people, both locally and abroad, on what is often the worst day of their life is a great privilege,” Greg said. “As firefighters, we don’t do it for the accolades – it is part of our role to demonstrate kindness and compassion and help others as much as we can.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said Greg was highly respected and his award well deserved.

“Superintendent Houston has demonstrated great professional commitment and integrity throughout his 35-year career.

“He is recognised for his firefighting skills, mentorship and support of firefighters and invaluable contribution to FRNSW and the people of NSW.”

The AFSM is one of the Meritorious awards on the honours list, given to members of particular services. Nominations come from within their organisations and are recommended by the relevant minister for the Governor-General’s approval.

Greg said the award came as a surprise and he felt “incredibly humbled”. He paid tribute to the outstanding leaders who have helped him, and encouraged any young people interested in the fire service to give it a go.

“Fire and Rescue New South Wales are about to start a massive recruitment campaign in the next couple of months.

"It's a job I'd highly recommend and a career that will not only teach you valuable skills to help you through life, but it'll provide you with a challenge and give you great satisfaction.

"I'd recommend it to anyone.”

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The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, today announced Honours and Awards for 732 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service in the military.

Locals honoured include the head of medical services for the Illawarra Hawks, Phillip Driscoll, and Wollongong couple Hong-Phong Le and Teresa Tran, recognised for service to the Vietnamese Community of Australia. Olympian gold medallist Saya Sakakibara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to sport.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au