How Shane Fitzsimmons became Australia’s leader through a black summer | Australian Story

As Australian burned through a black summer, one man stood out - NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.
As communities were being engulfed by fire, and amid political turmoil, Mr Fitzsimmons was reassuring, straight talking and honest. He became the “face of the fires” and to many, a national hero.
For the first time Mr Fitzsimmons reveals the man behind his calm façade and how he overcame a childhood marred by domestic violence to become one of Australia’s most admired leaders.
Read more: ab.co/2z38rG2
#AustralianStory #ShaneFitzsimmons #Bushfires #AustralianBushfires
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About Australian Story: Putting the "real" back into reality television, Australian Story is an award-winning documentary series with no narrator and no agendas - just authentic stories told entirely in people's own words. Take 30 minutes to immerse yourself in the life of an extraordinary Australian. They're sometimes high profile, sometimes controversial, but always compelling. It’s television guaranteed to make you think and feel. New episodes are available every Monday.

[@alisonnicol6343]

The daily updates from this guy really made us feel safe and he always spoke clearly to the common man. Boy, did he look tired and stressed for his people. The fact that he really cared was obvious.

[@queenofcheap6310]

Shane Fitzsimmons is a man who captivated the Nation through this Black Summer. Humble yet focused, calm yet levelheaded. He overcame his younger years & proved many wrong. Shane does wear his heart on his sleeve for every man & woman under his command. Is there when things are good but more importantly, is there when his 'large family' need him in their darkest of times. He is a true Aussie Legend, even if he doesn't like that term, that's what he is. I hope for his wife & him a lovely, well deserved holiday for next summer & wish him all the luck in his new roll.

[@c8Lorraine1]

Well articulated. You have spoken for the millions of Australians who thank him for his tireless service. May Shane Fitzsimmons and his family be blessed abundantly in ways most meaningful to them.

[@UteChewb]

Amazing story. A guy who is talented, capable, and has a heart.

[@seichodan]

An American here - Great leadership from a common man is an ideal that is universal. Cheers to you Aussies that you have that common man and the best of the brave that follow his direction.

[@DesperatelySeekingAudrey]

Shane, your calm demeanor got me through this current fire season. I felt safe having you in charge. I trusted you. We were so much luckier than others. Fires at our two places - Blue Mountains, and Peak View where the plane crashed. Some mountains are still black. No regrowth. I don't know if some of those areas will ever come back. We will never forget those who we lost in the fire season. Thank you. And to those who have disliked the video - what is wrong with you?

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

As they say... some superheroes do not wear capes. These wonderful people make me proud to be an Aussie.

[@annechapman2801]

Seriously what a good bloke. A phoenixe rising from the fire 🙏 thanks mate 😘

[@HabashyGaming]

You cannot watch this without having tears in your eyes. He is a great role model

[@tiborsol7959]

This man is unique. A genuine honest bloke that people will follow. What stands out to me is that people just love him.... We watch media interviews now and see leaders of emergency services and government agencies generally trying to do their own little disingenuous impersonation of Shane. Well done Shane and shame on them for just seeing him as a media strategy.

[@kezkezooie8595]

The man's a legend.

[@ansc6472]

How

[@kezkezooie8595]

@@ansc6472 You don't think he is or are you not familiar with who he is?

[@andrewwohlfart3327]

This bloke should NEVER have to buy a beer around Australia ever again.

[@seanbaskett5506]

We need leaders like this in America. In an era where everyone simply virtue signals on social media, Shane went out and got shit done, showed results, and the people loved him for it. For good reason--his character.

[@SpAceProductions100]

an incredible story about an incredible man i will be honest i shed a few tears

[@Cumshot-millionare]

he should be the government

[@onetap4096]

I’m going to join next year

[@geofflongford2008]

Good on you Shane. Someone who has held the hose.

[@smiledon77]

he is good mate and my hero saving lot of life assize sad to miss Aussie of the year 2020 year that was hard year always next year my hero

[@hotdeath4709]

Out of everyone who spoke on the news during that time this man’s face was the one I was looking for, this man’s a leader in crisis

[@TheHerbinstien]

Shane FItzsimmons for prime minister a true Aussie legend

[@ansc6472]

No thanks

[@c8Lorraine1]

Yes please.

[@w.bridges9118]

Such a bloody great Australian 👍.

[@smiledon77]

my hero

[@bentacc9217]

this man is a certified hero he deserves every bit of praise he did everything in his power to ensure the safey of the citizens and towns under threat what a legend.

[@TS-pi3um]

Oh yeh Gladys berejiklian is a real logical thinker, smashing a perfectly fine stadium just the rebuild it.

[@shxrkfivem]

She is soo good about Coronavirus. She is calm and saying announcements and lots of stuff

[@TS-pi3um]

@@shxrkfivem I don't know about that she let the Rubi Princes cruse ship into the country which caused 900 infections and 28 deaths

[@FuzzyArchAngel]

@@shxrkfivem you on crack bud?

[@theconvictedquokka]

Shane your a legend qldrfs

[@Skippy2539]

Remember a mate of mine in our brigade went with his father in law down to batemens bay as apart of a strike team. Within 3 days they evacuated their camp 4 to 5 times

[@kenmorgan2993]

I still think of you when you where still at Warringah RFS years ago and when you presented the 60 years service medals to ken and Peter with Belrose RRF not long ago all the best

[@herdeefrancisco9161]

Incredible story, dedication at it's best to make his country proud.

[@lsjuan295]

Clearly a level headed leader who our so called leaders could learn from

[@c8Lorraine1]

Absolutely !

[@diamond_gamerssidebyside5178]

YAY THATS MY SCHOOL

[@creeib]

Scott Morrison will soon get it.

[@OMspot2277]

Isnt it wild that all those many fires over a months span only destroyed half the buildings that one fire in one day did in 2018 with the Paradise Camp fire?

[@WellDoneHumanity]

It’s too bad Gladys was nothing but a burden on the Australian people.

[@ansc6472]

Good luck to any RFS volunteer who speaks out against the red tape and conventional orthodoxy of NSW RFS and their Commissioner.

[@michaelclayton1827]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wiseguyisyy4u]

This guy just likes the sound of his own voice. What are his credentials?? RFS would be so much better without this narcissist.

[@ShapezPuller64]

Sorry, did you even watch the story? The RFS is this man's lifeblood - he has lived and breathed that service his whole life, case in point, he was voted by his peers captain, leading a section, before he had turned 20. His life is a credit to every community he's served.

[@1sneaky1a]

And what's Ur bug achievement apart from learning to read

[@aretardridesmotard6128]

I hope Shane has found some peace in the years since. I know his next posting after the RFS didn't turn out how he'd hoped. The actions of the RFS and his leadership in those days will never be forgotten by the average Australian. He was the only person on TV worth listening to at the time.