Sergeant Melissa Louise Anderson

On the evening of 1 September 2008 Sergeant Melissa Anderson took action to help detain a highly agitated armed man who had set fire to his home.

Sergeant Anderson and other police officers were called to a house where a man had lit a fire in the front yard. Arriving at the scene, they found the man was armed with a knife and threatening to kill himself and the police officers. Sergeant Anderson commenced negotiations with the man; however he fled inside and set fire to a back room. After she and a colleague kicked the door in, Sergeant Anderson, armed with a taser, entered the smoke-filled house. Despite limited visibility, she spotted the man on the couch. He lunged at her and she struck him with the taser. Obstructed by furniture and affected by the smoke, Sergeant Anderson retreated outside. Meanwhile a colleague entered the burning house but was unsuccessful in dragging the man outside. Both officers re-entered the house and managed to pull him outside.

By her actions, Sergeant Anderson displayed considerable bravery.

Detective Sergeant Allan Karl Cohrs

On 31 May 2004, Detective Sergeant Cohrs (then Detective Senior Constable (DSC) went to the aid of a colleague and assisted in detaining two offenders (one armed with a sawn-off rifle) at Deception Bay, Queensland.

Detective Senior Constable Cohrs and a colleague attended a residence in Deception Bay, where they approached two men, one of which was holding a backpack. After brief questioning the men ran to the rear of the premises. DSC Cohrs and his colleague pursued the two men and attempted to restrain them. Both men began to punch and knee the officers violently. DSC Cohrs went to assist his colleague, and saw one man remove a .22 calibre sawn-off rifle from the backpack and aim it at his colleague. DSC Cohrs immediately placed himself between the armed offender and his colleague. The offender aimed the weapon at DSC Cohrs and threatened to shoot. DSC Cohrs grabbed hold of the barrel and, during the struggle, the man attempted to fire the rifle. DSC Cohrs then punched the man in the face and managed to pull the rifle away from the offender. Both offenders surrendered soon after.

By his actions Detective Sergeant Cohrs displayed considerable bravery.

Senior Constable Regan Richard Greatorex

On 26 January 2010, Senior Constable Greatorex rescued a man from the Brisbane River, Queensland.

Police and ambulance units attended the William Jolly Bridge, Brisbane River, in response to a man who had jumped into the water. Senior Constable Greatorex was first on the scene and saw the man floating in the middle of the river screaming for help. He removed his accoutrements, jumped in the river and swam about 75 metres to the distressed man. Senior Constable Greatorex reached him; however he resisted help, putting them both in danger. Senior Constable Greatorex persisted and eventually grabbed hold of the man and began to swim towards the river bank. A colleague and an ambulance officer also entered the water and the three men managed to drag the aggressive man back to safety. At the river bank the intoxicated man continued to abuse the officers and resisted all efforts of assistance. The man had to be heavily sedated prior to being transported to hospital for assessment.

By his actions, Senior Constable Greatorex displayed considerable bravery.

Sergeant Brendan John Haley

On the evening of 1 September 2008, Sergeant Brendan Haley took action to help detain a highly agitated armed man who had set fire to his home.

Sergeant Haley and other officers were called to a house where a man had lit a fire in the front yard. Arriving at the scene, they found the man was armed with a knife and threatening to kill himself and police officers. After negotiations with the highly agitated man were unsuccessful, he fled inside and set fire to a back room. Sergeant Haley and a colleague kicked the door in, enabling the colleague to enter the smoke-filled house. The colleague struck the man with a taser and attempted to drag him outside, however was overcome with smoke and retreated to the doorway. Sergeant Haley then entered the burning house but was also affected by the thick smoke. Both officers re-entered the building and managed to pull him outside to safety.

By his actions, Sergeant Haley displayed considerable bravery.

Mr Scott Andrew Hensler

On the morning of 25 August 2004, Mr Hensler rescued two children and attempted the rescue of other victims in a house fire at Murgon, Queensland.

Mr Hensler noticed that a house adjacent to his workplace was on fire, smoke billowing from the building. Arranging for a colleague to call emergency services, Mr Hensler raced to the timber house. He entered the front door and moved down the hallway which was now engulfed with flames and billowing with thick smoke. Mr Hensler tried to gain access to one of the bedrooms but was forced back as the ceiling began to collapse. He noticed a young girl and called for her to come to the door but she was unable to move. Retreating to the veranda, Mr Hensler smashed a window and grabbed the young girl, dragging her from the room. The veranda ceiling was on fire as he carried her to safety, entrusting her to the care of bystanders. Aware that there was at least one other person still trapped within the house, Mr Hensler made a further attempt to get inside, but was forced away as fire consumed the old building. Sadly, two young children were unable to be rescued and died at the scene.

By his actions, Mr Hensler displayed considerable bravery.

Leading Seaman Matthew Thomas Keogh

On the morning of 16 April 2009, Leading Seaman Keogh assisted occupants of a burning vessel in the waters near Ashmore Island, Western Australia.

Patrol boats HMAS Childers and HMAS Albany were escorting a Suspected Irregular Entry Vessel that held forty-nine civilians and Australian Defence Force personnel, when the situation onboard deteriorated. Leading Seaman Keogh and three others immediately volunteered to form an augmented security team to board the vessel. Within two minutes of arriving onboard the vessel caught fire and exploded, causing most people to be thrown into the water. Protected by part of the vessel's superstructure, Leading Seaman Keogh remained onboard. He immediately assisted a colleague, who had fallen into the seat of the fire in the bilge area and had sustained burns, over the side to safety. As the vessel continued to burn out of control, he noticed another colleague suffering from facial burns and a broken ankle. He helped him into the water before turning his attention to the remaining passengers. Disregarding the risk of a second explosion, he continued to search and assist the frightened and injured survivors encouraging them to jump into the water despite their fears.

By his actions, Leading Seaman Keogh displayed considerable bravery.

Mr Ben Thomas Savage

In the mid-morning of 10 September 2010, Mr Savage assisted the occupants of a capsized boat at Point Cartwright, Queensland.

Following the capsizing of a fishing boat in a moderate to rough swell near Mooloolaba, Mr Savage and a friend saw several men struggling in the surf. They immediately made their way down to the rocks and dived into the water. While his friend successfully reached one of the men and started to provide assistance, Mr Savage made several attempts to reach them but was pushed back onto the rocks. On a third attempt Mr Savage managed to reach his friend where they both assisted the semi conscious man towards the shore. They were struggling in difficult conditions until a surf lifesaver and jet ski arrived to tow the man to shore where CPR was administered.

By his actions, Mr Savage displayed considerable bravery.

Mr Jackson Smith

In the mid-morning of 10 September 2010, Mr Smith assisted the occupants of a capsized boat at Point Cartwright, Queensland.

Following the capsizing of a fishing boat in a moderate to rough swell near Mooloolaba, Mr Smith and a friend saw several men struggling in the surf. They immediately made their way down to the rocks and dived into the water. Mr Smith swam about 40 metres from the rocks to assist a man who was semi conscious in the water. After his friend joined him, Mr Smith swam to help another man who was under the surface and appeared to be deceased. He then swam back to his friend where they both assisted the semi conscious man towards the shore. They struggled in difficult conditions until a surf lifesaver and jet ski arrived to tow the man to shore where CPR was administered.

By his actions, Mr Smith displayed considerable bravery.

Awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct

Mr Anthony Robert Ayres

In the mid-morning of 10 September 2010, Mr Ayers assisted the occupants of a capsized boat at Point Cartwright, Queensland.

Mr Ayers was working nearby when he became aware that a fishing boat had capsized in a moderate to rough swell near Mooloolaba. He observed several men struggling in the surf and ran down to assist. Seeing a man lying face down in the water, he immediately entered the water and swam towards him. Battling the incoming waves, he managed to reach the man, roll him over and attempt to resuscitate him. Mr Ayers continued to struggle, and was eventually provided with assistance as he approached the shore. Unfortunately the man was unable to be revived.

For his actions, Mr Ayers is commended for brave conduct.

Mr Benjamin Luke Carroll

On the morning of 26 January 2010, Mr Carroll assisted in the rescue of a man from the Brisbane River, Queensland.

Police and ambulance units attended the William Jolly Bridge, Brisbane River, South Brisbane in response to a man who had jumped into the river. One of the police officers jumped into the river and swum about 75 metres to the distressed man, who refused assistance. Another police officer and Mr Carroll, an ambulance officer, also arrived and assessed the situation. They removed their uniforms, entered the water and went to assist. All three men managed to drag the aggressive man back to safety. At the river bank the intoxicated man continued to abuse the officers and resisted all efforts of assistance. The man had to be heavily sedated prior to being transported to hospital for assessment.

For his actions, Mr Carroll is commended for brave conduct.

Mr Glen James Damro

On the afternoon of 28 June 2000, Mr Damro (then Sergeant) apprehended an armed offender in bushland near Childers, Queensland.

After tracking an alleged offender for several days, Sergeant Damro and a colleague closed in on the man through dense bushland. The man was responsible for a fire that occurred five days earlier at the Childers Palace Backpackers hostel. Approaching him in thick scrub, they saw that he had a large knife. The offender refused to drop his knife as requested, choosing to lunge at Sergeant Damro instead. Sergeant Damro immediately released the tracking dog who tried to apprehend the offender. A struggle took place, and the dog was attacked with the knife as he took hold of the offender's arm. Sergeant Damro called the dog away and continued to order the offender to drop the weapon, without success. A short while later, the dog again attacked the man and brought the offender to the ground, before Sergeant Damro quickly moved forward to disarm him. During a struggle the man stabbed Sergeant Damro in the jaw before being rolled onto his side. His colleague fired at the offender, who dropped the knife and was apprehended.

For his actions, Mr Damro is commended for brave conduct.

Mr Steven Noel Gatenby

On 7 February 2009, Mr Gatenby used his body to protect his great uncle during the ‘Black Saturday' bushfires at Strathewen, Victoria.

Mr Gatenby was staying with his 94 year old great uncle in Strathewen on the afternoon of the Black Saturday bushfires. Mr Gatenby was trying to put out spot fires when he became aware that the fire alarms in the house had been activated. He and his great uncle sheltered beside the burning house until, overcome by choking fumes, they sought refuge in a nearby burnt-out paddock. Taking his great uncle by the hand, Mr Gatenby laid him on the ground and lay on top to protect him from radiant heat and flying embers. After lying in that position for half an hour, they were discovered by neighbours and took refuge overnight in their vehicle. Both men sustained burns as a result of their ordeal.

For his actions, Mr Gatenby is commended for brave conduct.

Mr John William Granger

On the evening of 25 December 2010, Mr Granger went to the aid of a man who was trapped in his vehicle after an accident on the Bruce Highway, Queensland.

A utility was being driven in a northerly direction along the Bruce Highway at Burpengary, when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It careered over a traffic island, rolled three times towards oncoming traffic and came to rest on its roof. The passenger pulled himself clear of the upturned vehicle and stood nearby. Driving in the southbound lane, Mr Granger saw the accident and immediately stopped his vehicle. He crawled into the upturned cabin to help the distressed driver as other vehicles swerved to avoid hitting the crashed vehicle. Despite getting fuel and glass in his eyes, Mr Granger stayed with the driver for about fifteen minutes until emergency services personnel arrived and took over.

For his actions, Mr Granger is commended for brave conduct.

Mr Nicholas John Gregorski

In the early afternoon of 12 April 2010, Mr Gregorski attempted the rescue of a man who had gone to the assistance of another swimmer at New Brighton Beach, Queensland.

Mr Gregorski was at New Brighton Beach when he noticed a man struggling in the water. A young girl was also in the water, and it became obvious that the man was trying to assist her. Seconds later a large wave hit the swimmers and they indicated they were in trouble. Mr Gregorski immediately entered the water to provide assistance. The young girl was pushed to the safety of the shallows, so Mr Gregorski swam towards the man, who continued to struggle in the water. When he reached the man he discovered he was unconscious. Mr Gregorski grabbed hold of him and floated in the water for about five minutes until he became exhausted. Another man paddled out on a surfboard and between them they managed to return the victim back to shore where CPR was administered. Sadly, the man was unable to be revived.

For his actions, Mr Gregorski is commended for brave conduct.

Mr Scott Matthew Hahne

On the morning of 30 July 2009, Mr Hahne assisted at the scene of a serious single vehicle accident at Edmonton, Queensland.

Mr Hahne was travelling on the Bruce Highway when he witnessed a massive cloud of dust and a vehicle somersaulting in the air. It landed on the opposite side of the highway to its original direction of travel and burst into flames. Mr Hahne immediately drove to the scene to offer assistance. Fire extinguishers were used to contain the flames while Mr Hahne and another man tried to prise open the driver's side door. Still trapped inside, the young driver was barely conscious, with his vital signs erratic. Mr Hahne continued to assist but was concerned that the victim not be moved as the nature and extent of his injuries were unknown. Emergency services arrived to manage the accident scene, but sadly, the driver succumbed to his serious injuries and later died in hospital.

For his actions, Mr Hahne is commended for brave conduct.

Senior Constable Kerri Joan Johnson

On 31 July 2009, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow attempted to rescue a man from a rip at Patong Beach, Thailand.

Whilst on holiday in Thailand, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow were on the beach when they saw a man floating face down in hazardous surf. They immediately entered the water in treacherous conditions and swam out to assist the man who was caught in a rip. Senior Constable Johnson reached the man first, so she grabbed the man's arm and swam towards Sergeant Thow and Mr Johnson. Two lifeguards then assisted the group to bring the man to shore. Senior Constable Johnson and Sergeant Thow assisted with CPR until ambulance personnel arrived. Sadly, despite their efforts, the man died later in hospital.

For their actions, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow are commended for brave conduct.

Mr Warren Winston Johnson

On 31 July 2009, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow attempted to rescue a man from a rip at Patong Beach, Thailand.

Whilst on holiday in Thailand, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow were on the beach when they saw a man floating face down in hazardous surf. They immediately entered the water in treacherous conditions and swam out to assist the man who was caught in a rip. Senior Constable Johnson reached the man first, so she grabbed the man's arm and swam towards Sergeant Thow and Mr Johnson. Two lifeguards then assisted the group to bring the man to shore. Senior Constable Johnson and Sergeant Thow assisted with CPR until ambulance personnel arrived. Sadly, despite their efforts, the man died later in hospital.

For their actions, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow are commended for brave conduct.

Detective Constable Grant Andrew Lutz

On 31 May 2004, Detective Constable Lutz (then Constable) assisted in detaining two offenders (one armed with a sawn-off rifle) at Deception Bay, Queensland. Constable Lutz and a colleague attended a residence in Deception Bay, where they approached two men, one of which was holding a backpack. After brief questioning the men ran to the rear of the premises. Constable Lutz and his colleague pursued the two men and attempted to restrain them. Both men began to punch and knee the officers violently. One man removed a .22 calibre sawn-off rifle from the backpack and aimed it at Constable Lutz. His colleague immediately placed himself between the armed offender and Constable Lutz, and the man was eventually disarmed after a struggle with the rifle. Both offenders surrendered soon after.

For his actions, Detective Constable Lutz is commended for brave conduct.

Ms Samantha Erica Marshall

On the morning of 16 July 2010, Ms Marshall rescued a woman from a burning vehicle after an accident near Canungra, Queensland.

Ms Marshall saw a car collide with the roadway railing near Canungra. The vehicle overturned, caught fire and the semi-conscious driver was hanging upside down suspended by her seat belt. Ms Marshall immediately rushed to the burning vehicle and opened the driver's door. She spoke to the driver and told her to release her seatbelt. Ms Marshall then lent inside, grabbed the woman's legs and pulled her outside. She was then assisted by a man to carry the driver away from the burning vehicle to safety.

For her actions, Ms Marshall is commended for brave conduct.

Mr Bernard John Nyhan

On the morning of 26 January 2010, Constable Nyhan assisted in the rescue of a man from the Brisbane River, Queensland.

Police and ambulance units attended the William Jolly Bridge, Brisbane River, South Brisbane in response to a man who had jumped into the river. One of the police officers jumped into the river and swam about 75 metres to the distressed man, who refused assistance. Constable Nyhan and an ambulance officer also arrived and assessed the situation. They removed their uniforms, entered the water and went to assist. All three men managed to drag the aggressive man back to safety. At the river bank the intoxicated man continued to abuse the officers and resisted all efforts of assistance. The man had to be heavily sedated prior to being transported to hospital for assessment.

For his actions, Constable Nyhan is commended for brave conduct.

Senior Constable Mark Stephen Simpson

Details not released at the request of Senior Constable Simpson

Sergeant Shane Anthony Thow

On 31 July 2009, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow attempted to rescue a man from a rip at Patong Beach, Thailand.

Whilst on holiday in Thailand, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow were on the beach when they saw a man floating face down in hazardous surf. They immediately entered the water in treacherous conditions and swam out to assist the man who was caught in a rip. Senior Constable Johnson reached the man first, so she grabbed the man's arm and swam towards Sergeant Thow and Mr Johnson. Two lifeguards then assisted the group to bring the man to shore. Senior Constable Johnson and Sergeant Thow assisted with CPR until ambulance personnel arrived. Sadly, despite their efforts, the man died later in hospital.

For their actions, Senior Constable Johnson, Mr Johnson and Sergeant Thow are commended for brave conduct.

Senior Constable Adrian Luke Venz

On the evening of 19 September 2008, Senior Constable Venz took action to help detain a highly agitated man who had threatened to shoot himself.

Senior Constable Venz and a colleague went to a residence at Gleneagle where a man was armed with a gun. As they approached the house a man stood on the front porch and held what police believed was a gun to his head. The man called on the police to shoot him or he would shoot them. The officers backed away and unholstered their firearms. The offender then began to move towards them and point his gun in their direction. Just as Senior Constable Venz managed to move behind the offender, the offender charged at his colleague, threatening to take his gun. As the two struggled, Senior Constable Venz moved forward and grabbed the man from behind. The officers then wrestled the man and restrained him with handcuffs. After placing him in their vehicle the man then tried to cut his arm with a shard of glass. After the officers removed the glass from his grasp, they transported him to hospital where he was sedated and restrained before receiving treatment.

For his actions Senior Constable Venz is commended for brave conduct.

Awardees comprise of members of the Australian Defence Force who, on 16 April 2009, were involved in the rescue of people following an explosion on a suspected illegal entry vessel near Ashmore Island.

Petty Officer Thomas Raphael DAWE

Chief Petty Officer Dean Andrew FAUNT

Petty Officer Paul Christopher HETHERINGTON

Leading Seaman Matthew Thomas KEOGH

Able Seaman Jason Cordell LIST

On the morning of 16 April 2009, a number of Australian Defence Force personnel assisted occupants of a burning vessel in the waters near Ashmore Island, Western Australia.

Patrol boats HMAS Childers and HMAS Albany were escorting a Suspected Irregular Entry Vessel (SIEV) that held forty-nine civilians and Australian Defence Force personnel, when the situation onboard deteriorated. Four personnel from the escort vessels immediately volunteered to form an augmented security team to board the SIEV. Within two minutes of arriving onboard, the vessel caught fire and exploded, causing most people to be thrown into the water. In response to this hazardous situation Australian Defence Force personnel, both on the escort vessels and the SIEV reacted swiftly and professionally. The escort vessels continually manoeuvred their crafts and rescued as many survivors as possible. Ultimately, all nine Defence Force personnel onboard the SIEV at the time, and forty-four passengers and crew of the vessel were recovered. Sadly, dozens of casualties occurred sustaining horrific injuries and five people died.

For their actions, the recipients are recognised by the award of the Group Bravery Citation.

Awardees comprise of members of the public who, on 2 May 2007, were involved in a hostage situation in Maryborough Queensland.

Mr  Darren EVANS

Mr  Darren John SIMPSON

Mr  Mark Anthony STEFFEN

Mr  Adrian Michael WILLIAMS

On the morning of 2 May 2007, a group of citizens and a police officer were involved in trying to defuse a hostage situation at Maryborough, Queensland.

A man armed with a knife entered a grocery store and threatened the life of a male shop assistant. As a hostage situation unfolded, a shopper walked in to see the victim desperately pleading for his life. The visitor tried to calm the offender but he refused to cooperate, demanding that police be called. The man left the store to do so and was later coaxed back inside the shop. The store manager appeared and also attempted to defuse the situation. The offender demanded that the manager and shopper link arms and form a human shield to enable him to manoeuvre the hostage towards an exit. Two other men arrived and were compelled into the group by the offender. Later, yet another two men were coerced into the group. Police had arrived and an officer tried to placate the offender, without success. Without provocation he repeatedly stabbed the hostage, prompting the group of six men to break rank and disburse. The attacker turned his attention to the police officer and moved forward, threatening to kill him. A single shot was discharged and the offender was fatally wounded. The young shop assistant later recovered from his wounds.

For their actions, the recipients are recognised by the award of the Group Bravery Citation.

Awardees comprise five members of staff at St Laurence College, Brisbane, who on 28 July 2007, went to the assistance of students who were being challenged by armed assailants on the ground of the college.

Mr Andrew Ross KENDALL

Mr Christopher Jon OAKES

Mr Anthony Damian SAMIOS

Mr Michael Paul SHARKEY

Mr Edward Allen WALLACE

On the afternoon of 28 July 2008, teachers from the St Laurence College assisted students threatened by a group of armed youths in Brisbane, Queensland.

During the lunch break, two groups of armed youths entered the St Laurence College school grounds. A group of four youths, armed with a meat cleaver and a metal pole approached students on the playground. As teachers verbally challenged the youths, one of the youths quickly pulled out the meat cleaver, swung it wildly and hit a student in the face. The students began to run away, however the attacker was able to stab another student in the back. Two teachers chased the attackers through the school and off the school grounds, while another teacher stayed to protect the students. A second group of armed youths who also made their way through the school grounds were challenged by two other teachers. The second group fled, with the teachers in pursuit. This enabled them to direct police to the youth's location.

For their actions, the recipients are recognised by the award of the Group Bravery Citation.

Awardees comprise of three men who, on 20 May 2009, rescued two people who were trapped in floodwaters at Kobble Creek, Queensland.

Mr Ian George WEISE (added to the Group Bravery Citation awarded and gazetted on 21 March 2011)

On the morning of 20 May 2009, three men rescued two people trapped in floodwaters at Kobble Creek, Queensland.

A man and a woman were travelling across a bridge covered by water when their four-wheel drive vehicle stalled. Moments later a wall of water pushed the vehicle from the bridge into a fast flowing creek where it became jammed against a tree. The woman helped her friend to safety as they scrambled onto a tree and waited for help. Some ninety minutes later, Mr Ian Weise and his son, Brendan spotted the couple in their isolation as floodwaters surged around the tree. Unable to reach them, Mr Weise phoned a neighbour, Mr Glen Lake who arrived with an excavator and positioned it close to the water's edge. Mr Ian Weise climbed into the machine's up-turned bucket as his son gave directions where best to position the articulated arm and bucket from the creek bank. Mr Ian Weise threw two nylon lift belts over to the tree. One was attached to the stranded driver enabling Mr Lake to haul him across the water and lower him safely onto the creek bank. Shortly afterwards a similar manoeuvre was used to rescue the woman. The couple was taken back to Mr Weise's home where they gratefully accepted hot showers, dry clothing, food and drink.

For their actions, the recipients are recognised by the award of the Group Bravery Citation.