22nd December, 2025.
I rise today to pay tribute to Alan Kerslake, who passed away on 4 December 2025 at age 84. A founding member of the NSW Rural Fire Service's Alpine/Aylmerton Brigade since 1953, Alan dedicated over seven decades to protecting our community. Joining with his father and locals, he recognized the need for organized firefighting in our bushfire-prone Southern Highlands. Alan served as Captain for 11 years, Senior Deputy Captain for 39 years, Deputy Captain recently, and Fire Permit Officer for 19 years. A humble mentor, he shared wisdom over tea in firefighting, farming, mechanics, and life. His sayings, like "The water you waste may be the water that saves you," and "Black is black, it's not grey, and check it again," embodied his life-saving ethos. Alan's honors include Brigade Life Membership, RFS Commissioners Commendation, National Medal (4th Clasp), RFS Long Service Medal (6th Clasp), National Emergency Medal, Premiers Bush Fire Citation, and Les Lambert Memorial Achievement Award. At his funeral on 18 December at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Mittagong, a guard of honour bid farewell. Thoughts to brothers Bruce and Malcolm, the Kerslake family, and the brigade. May he rest in peace.
