WITH the kick of a footy, Leading Senior Constable Cameron Caine (pictured) helped rebuild a Black Saturday community and won recognition from the Queen.
While he helped about 50 people flee Pheasant Creek through the fires on February 7, 2009, it was also his work after the fires that last week secured him an Order of Australia.
Mr Caine’s community spirit shone through as president of Kinglake Football Netball Club when he helped revive the club and take it to the grand final of the local competition.
Mr Caine said the football oval was a place for locals to “get away from it all”.
His family drove through flames to escape the Black Saturday inferno. Their house was spared, but others were not so lucky.
Mr Caine received a Royal Humane Society Commendation for Brave Conduct this year and a Victoria Police Valour Award in 2011.
