A Tasmanian firefighter who fought to expand cancer protections for his colleagues while battling the disease himself has died.
Neil Brooksbank passed away on October 3 after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that will safeguard firefighters for generations to come.
The Tasmania Fire Service confirmed his death, describing him as “a proud and dedicated member” who served for more than 29 years.
“Neil will be remembered not only for his professionalism and service, but for his warmth, integrity and the respect he earned from all who worked alongside him,” the TFS said.
Brooksbank was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which he believed stemmed from fighting thousands of fires over his career.
Because the disease was among 12 cancers recognised in Tasmania as being caused by firefighting, his compensation claim was approved without the need to prove he contracted it at work.
Determined to make a difference, he played a key role in Tasmania becoming the first state or territory to expand presumptive cancer legislation from 12 to 20 cancers.
The expanded list now includes cervical, ovarian, penile, thyroid, pancreatic and skin cancers, as well as lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.
“Even while undergoing treatment in 2023, Neil had his colleagues at the front of his mind, playing a key role in advocating for the addition of female and other occupational cancers to the presumptive list, which is just one of the many things he achieved as a lasting legacy,” the United Firefighters Union said.
Brooksbank began his firefighting journey in 1995 as a volunteer with the Huonville Fire Brigade, joining the ranks as a career firefighter four years later.
He rose through the ranks to Assistant Director and represented Tasmania on international deployments, including the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 and the British Columbia wildfires in 2017.
He also helped establish the TFS Aviation Wing and strengthen its remote area firefighting capability.
The UFU said Brooksbank and his wife Jacquie also fought to ensure firefighters on workers’ compensation continued to receive their normal superannuation payments.
“His spirit and passion for doing what is right and striving for improvement will be deeply missed by all,” the union said.
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Felix Ellis extended his condolences to Brooksbank’s family, friends and colleagues.
“He was much loved and will be greatly missed by Tasmania’s firefighting family,” Ellis said.
