Offered for sale is a pair of commemorative medallions issued in connection with the 2001 Christmas Fires, presented by the Council of the City of Shoalhaven.

These attractive medallions commemorate the devastating Christmas/Black Christmas bushfires of 2001, which affected large areas of NSW, including the Shoalhaven region.

MEDALLION DETAILS

The front features a detailed design depicting a firefighter/fire scene, with the wording:

“APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE”

“CHRISTMAS FIRES 2001”

The reverse features the Council of the City of Shoalhaven crest/seal with the Shoalhaven motto.

The medallions have a warm bronze/gold-tone finish and are housed in their original black presentation cases, each featuring the Shoalhaven Council emblem inside the lid.

INCLUDED

• 2 x Shoalhaven Christmas Fires 2001 commemorative medallions

• 2 x original black presentation cases

• Matching pair

• Circa 2001

CONDITION

Both medallions are in very good pre-owned vintage condition.

The medallions display well with attractive colouring and detailed raised decoration. The original presentation cases are also present and functional, with some minor signs of age/storage consistent with their approximately 25-year age.

Please carefully examine all photographs, which form part of the description.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The 2001 Christmas Fires, commonly referred to as the Black Christmas bushfires, were among the most significant bushfire events in NSW history. The fires began in December 2001 and affected numerous communities across NSW, with Shoalhaven particularly badly impacted. The NSW Rural Fire Service records the fires as lasting for almost three weeks, from 24 December 2001 into January 2002. (RFS)

These medallions are therefore an interesting piece of Shoalhaven, NSW bushfire and Australian emergency-service memorabilia, particularly suited to collectors of local history, Rural Fire Service memorabilia, council memorabilia or Australian commemorative pieces.

A scarce and unusual piece of Shoalhaven history, complete with both original presentation cases.

Please view all photographs carefully for condition and detail.

You will receive exactly the two medallions and two presentation cases pictured.