Mark Ayliffe: Cobargo RFS captain remembered by team, leaders and community

A NSW south coast RFS captain who led his team through the Black Summer fires has been remembered as a “brave, strong and determined” community member after his sudden death.

Cobargo RFS captain, Mark Ayliffe, died on August 22. Picture: Sean Davey

The south coast RFS captain who made headlines after the former prime minister told him to “get back to it” during his controversial visit to a fire-ridden town in the midst of Black Summer has tragically died.

Mark Ayliffe, 54, died on August 22, with tributes flowing for the former Cobargo RFS captain.

The Cobargo RFS team said they were “saddened” by the sudden loss.

“Mark was a long serving member of the Brigade and his service and leadership during his period as captain, particularly through the 2019/2020 Black Summer fires was outstanding,” the team posted to social media.

“We are confident the community will join us in expressing our deepest condolences during this very difficult time.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and wife Jenny visited Cobargo, where they met Mark Ayliffe at the Cobargo RFS station, NSW on Thursday January 2, 2020. Picture: Sean Davey

Mr Ayliffe was working as the captain in the small Bega Valley town during the 2019/20 Black Summer fires, when former Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited after returning home from a holiday to Hawaii.

During the visit Mr Morrison was heckled, shouted at and had members of the RFS and residents refuse to shake his hand.

Mr Ayliffe was in the town at the time, after spending the day battling the goliath blaze, when Mr Morrison awkwardly shook his hand before stating, “well, I’ll let you get back to it”.

Mark Ayliffe at the Cobargo RFS station, NSW receives a hug from Jenny Morrison. Picture by Sean Davey.

This was followed by a hug from Jenny Morrison.

Despite the awkward interaction and heckling in the town, Mr Morrison still shared his thoughts for Mr Ayliffe and his family.

“My deepest condolences to Mark’s family, friends and local community and my sincere appreciation for Mark’s selfless service and leadership,” he said.

Tributes have also come from former Liberal Bega MP, Andrew Constance, who famously said Mr Morrison got “the welcome he probably deserved” when visiting Cobargo during the fires.

“There were an enormous number of true Australian heroes during Black Summer, however one stand out is the former captain of the Cobargo brigade, the late Mark Ayliffe,” he said.

“His sudden passing during the week has come as a shock to everyone and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Former Bega MP Andrew Constance fought to save his Malua Bay home in the Black Summer Fires. Left picture: Tom McGann, right picture: Facebook

Mr Constance said Mr Ayliffe was “brave, strong and determined” and said he led a team of firefighters through “an event no person should ever have had to experience”.

“In my capacity as a local MP, he was always friendly, great to talk to and learn from,” he said.

“There is zero doubt that his mum and dad instilled a wonderful community spirit within Mark, built on a selfless determination to look after and care for the community and those around him.

“He was a humble person, true community champion and someone we are all indebted to given his contribution.”

Federal Eden Monaro MP, Kristy McBain, said the news was “devastating”.

“Mark was a genuine and selfless guy,” she said.

“He loved his community and it was on display for all to see during the enormous effort he and many others put in during Black Summer.

“My deepest condolences to his family, friends and the wider Cobargo community on this very sad loss.”

Mr Ayliffe will be remembered at a service at the Cobargo Showground on Saturday, August 31.

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