QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
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A life in the unforgiving world of firefighting began for Keith Robinson at the tender age of 15.
"I joined the Bulli Rural Fire Service in 1958," Mr Robinson said.
"My father, my three brothers and I were all foundation members of the Bulli brigade."
Mr Robinson's 55 years in firefighting have been recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal, one of just two awarded in the region in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
He spent 40 years as captain in the Bulli Rural Fire Service, and was instrumental in the design and implementation of rapid response vehicles that could negotiate the rugged, steep terrain of Bulli's escarpment.
"I've been all across the state fighting fires, and I've enjoyed it all my life,"Mr Robinson said.
Despite the prestige of the award, Mr Robinson wasn't planning a big celebration. On Saturday he spent the day at the Bulli RFS yard, as he does every Saturday. He didn't even tell his family about the award.
"My daughter is coming up from down the coast, and my son is coming too," he said. "They don't know about the award. I'll tell them [today]."