Boyup Brook’s Gyula awarded Australian Fire Service Medal
Boyup Brook Hospital grounds keeper and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) lieutenant Gyula Bogar has been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal at the 2025 Australia Day Honours.
Gyula has been a familiar face at Boyup Brook Hospital since 2012, working across multiple roles including as a handyman, cleaner and now as grounds keeper. He ensures the hospital operates smoothly and remains a welcoming environment.
Gyula maintains the hospital and lodge gardens, creating beautiful outdoor spaces for staff and residents to enjoy. He’s always willing to go the extra mile, often seen donning an apron to fire up a BBQ, bringing people together over a meal.
Beyond his hospital duties, Gyula has also played an integral role at the Boyup Brook VFRS. Starting as a volunteer in 1967 at 15 years old, he has lived and breathed emergency services ever since.
Gyula also served as a member of the West Boyup Bush Fire Brigade for seven years and as a volunteer fire control officer for the Shire of Boyup Brook for 15 years.
Over the years he has held various leadership positions within the Boyup Brook brigade, including serving as captain for 14 years.
His contributions have significantly shaped the brigade. In the 1980s, he was instrumental to securing appliances and equipment to expand the brigade’s capabilities to help respond to road crash rescues and hazardous and toxic materials.
More recently, he led landmark upgrades to the Boyup Brook Fire Station, which included gender-separate change rooms with decontamination facilities.
He played a key role in asset protection and containment efforts while deployed to fires that burned through more than 5,900 hectares in Donnybrook and Balingup in January 2023.
In his current role as a lieutenant with Boyup Brook VFRS, Gyula trains and mentors his fellow volunteers and works hard to build strong relationships with emergency services in town. He is known for going above and beyond in areas of prevention and preparedness.
Executive Director South West Kerry Winsor said Gyula is a dedicated member of the Boyup Brook Hospital and community.
“Gyula’s selfless service and dedication to the safety and wellbeing of our community is truly commendable.
“His unwavering commitment and efforts have made a significant impact on both the hospital and greater community.
“The Australian Fire Service Medal is a well-deserved recognition of his lifetime of service, and we are very fortunate to have him as part of our team," she said.