Bravery Awards
August 2009
Awarded a Bravery Medal
Ms Jacqueline JOHNSTON
On the morning of 8 April 2005, Ms Johnston intervened during an attack on a woman by a male offender armed with a knife at a shopping centre in Brisbane.
Ms Johnston was working in a city restaurant preparing for lunch time patrons when, without warning, an elderly female customer began to scream for help. The woman was being stabbed around the head and neck by a young man armed with a knife. She was cowering under the attack attempting to shield her face. Without regard for her own safety, Ms Johnston immediately picked up a chair and advanced on the attacker. She placed the chair between the offender and the victim, shouting at the man to drop the knife. Ignoring the distraction, the offender stabbed the woman several more times. Ms Johnston continued to use the chair in an effort to protect the victim, warning the attacker to move away. As she did so, the offender threatened Ms Johnston that she would be next, pointing the weapon directly at her. Holding on to the chair, Ms Johnston stepped backwards as a precaution, and as she moved out of the way of the offender's reach, the man unexpectedly ran from the dining room. As he did so Ms Johnston turned to comfort the victim and phoned for emergency services. She remained with the woman and helped apply first aid until police and ambulance arrived.
By her actions, Ms Johnston displayed considerable bravery.
Constable Paul Thomas MASON
During the early morning of 27 May 2007, Constable Mason helped rescue a woman from a burning vehicle at Maryborough, Queensland.
Constable Mason and a colleague attended the scene of single vehicle accident and found a badly damaged car. The vehicle's engine bay was on fire and an unconscious female was trapped in the front passenger seat, her foot jammed between the firewall and the seat. The driver, who had been rescued, was yelling for his passenger to be freed. Repeated attempts to quell the engine fire failed because the bonnet was unable to be prised open. Several explosions erupted in the engine bay and, as the fire intensified, flames were penetrating the firewall into the foot well. Constable Mason climbed into the vehicle without any protective clothing, making repeated attempts to free the woman, trying to pull her from the front seat into the back of the car. However her foot remain jammed. As the flames and thick smoke filled the cabin, Constable Mason remained where he was, struggling to dislodge the woman. Persisting with his efforts, Constable Mason was assisted by another man and together they were able to free the woman and carry her to safety away from the burning vehicle.
By his actions, Constable Mason displayed considerable bravery.
Mr Kyle George QUINLAN
On the morning of 7 March 2007, Mr Quinlan (then Leading Aircraftman) rescued passengers from a plane crash at Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Mr Quinlan was onboard a commercial Indonesian flight which crashed at Yogyakarta. Twenty-one people were killed, including five Australians. The aircraft was totally destroyed on impact. Despite chest injuries, Mr Quinlan struggled free and helped extinguish an escape hatch fire. He then moved quickly to calm terrified passengers who, in their panic to flee from the wreckage would otherwise have crushed a victim lying on the floor. In the chaos of flames and choking smoke, Mr Quinlan helped remove an injured RAAF colleague from the cabin, guiding him to safety. Mr Quinlan returned repeatedly to the burning wreckage to help remove injured passengers. However, as the fire grew in intensity he was reluctantly forced to withdraw. Despite his injuries and state of exhaustion, Mr Quinlan accompanied his injured colleague to hospital ensuring appropriate treatment was administered. He maintained clarity of thought, providing valuable information to Australian Embassy staff about Australians involved in the crash and insight into the moments leading up to the crash.
By his actions, Mr Quinlan displayed considerable bravery.
Mr John Macleay WEST
During the early morning of 27 May 2007, Mr West helped rescue a woman from a burning vehicle at Maryborough, Queensland.
Mr West was waved down at the scene of a single vehicle accident where a woman was trapped inside a burning car. Fire was beginning to ignite some of the surrounding grass. Checking on the condition of the unconscious passenger, he found that she was trapped, her foot pinned between the fire wall and the seat. Grabbing some thick material Mr West began to smother the flames around the engine bay then checked again on the condition of the passenger. Police arrived at the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire but the bonnet was damaged during the accident, making it impossible to get to the seat of the fire. Mr West hurriedly retrieved a steel bar from his truck to prise open the bonnet and tried to contain the fire as best he could. He then joined a police officer and together they entered the burning vehicle to rescue the passenger. Severely hampered by thick smoke and heat, desperate attempts were made to pull the unconscious woman from the front seat to the back of the car. The woman's foot was finally dislodged, enabling her to be removed from the burning car and carried to safety.
By his actions, Mr West displayed considerable bravery.
Awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct
Mr Sean CAVANAGH
During the afternoon of 4 October 2005, Mr Cavanagh rescued up to 150 Iraqi soldiers from a burning army tent city at An Numaniyah, Iraq.
Mr Cavanagh was working in Iraq as a project medic for a United State Department of Defence Contractor. On the afternoon of the incident, flames engulfed the Iraqi Army Tent City which housed a basic training brigade. In quick succession, tents ignited, creating flames and heat of such intensity that it was almost impossible to get near the inferno. Mr Cavanagh ran amongst the lines of tents, pushing his way through the choking black smoke and flames, grabbing or carrying out occupants, many of whom had been sleeping. As he did so Mr Cavanagh continued to scream out, alerting Iraqi soldiers in nearby tents to evacuate the scene. Although affected by burns and debilitated by smoke inhalation, Mr Cavanagh remained on duty, administering first aid to victims.
For his actions, Mr Cavanagh is commended for brave conduct.
Mrs Mary Margaret COSH
Details not released at the request of Mrs Cosh.
Mr Ricky James DARE
In the early hours of 4 January 2005, Mr Dare assisted in the rescue of a man from a burning car at North Hobart, Tasmania.
Mr Dare was a passenger in a friend's car travelling north on the Brooker Highway when a fire was spotted ahead on the opposite side of the road. Nearing the scene, Mr Dare and his friend were waved down at a single vehicle accident. The car was well alight as Mr Dare phoned for emergency services. While he was attempting to find a way into the burning vehicle to check for the driver, his friend had located a man who was partially on fire at the rear of the vehicle.
Mr Dare helped move the man away from the vehicle which was engulfed in fire. He began ripping away the driver's burning and smouldering clothes, using his hands and clothing to quell the flames. Mr Dare then approached other passersby instructing them to find water to comfort and stabilise the man who had regained partial consciousness. Ambulance officers arrived to convey the man to hospital, but sadly he died several hours later as a result of his injuries.
For his actions, Mr Dare is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Harold Oscar DOYLE
Details not released at the request of Mr Doyle.
Mr Cossie John DOYLE
During the night of 13 February 2008, Mr Doyle assisted in a rescue attempt in floodwaters near Gogango, Queensland.
Torrential rains had cut roads and flooded waterways throughout central Queensland including the Gogango Creek west of Rockhampton. Mr Doyle attended the scene of an accident, hearing that a man and a woman and their two children were trapped in a flooded lagoon after their vehicle was washed off the roadway. During a series of rescue attempts, the man and his children were pulled from the water, however the children's mother was unable to move. She was barely conscious and clinging to a partially submerged tree. As rain continued, Mr Doyle jumped into the water and negotiated his way through floating and submerged debris. He reached the woman who was now having great difficulty to stay afloat. Working with other rescuers, Mr Doyle helped drag the woman back to the bank of the lagoon where she collapsed. CPR was commenced, but sadly, the woman was unable to be revived.
For his actions, Mr Doyle is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Neale Michael DUNPHY BM
During the night of 13 February 2008, Mr Dunphy assisted in a rescue attempt in floodwaters near Gogango, Queensland.
Torrential rains had cut road and flooded waterways throughout central Queensland including the Gogango Creek west of Rockhampton. Mr Dunphy, a member of the Rural Fire Brigade, was alerted that a man and a woman and their two children were trapped in a flooded lagoon after their vehicle was washed off the roadway. Lighting was barely adequate at the scene as Mr Dunphy entered the water. Working his way from one partly submerged tree to another in the swollen lagoon, Mr Dunphy made his way to the woman who was clinging to a tree. She was struggling to hold aloft her six month old son and reluctantly handed him to rescuers. However, the woman was now exhausted and barely conscious, unable to remain above the surface. Forming up a chain with a group of other rescuers, Mr Dunphy helped drag the woman through the lagoon and back up to the roadway where she finally collapsed. CPR was commenced but sadly, the woman was unable to be revived.
For his actions, Mr Dunphy is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Mathew John FROUDE
On the afternoon of 29 July 2008, Mr Froude assisted in rescuing an elderly woman from a vicious attack at a Noosa Heads beach, Queensland.
As Mr Froude walked along a beach track with his wife, he saw a man ahead of him attacking a person lying on the ground. Running to help the victim, Mr Froude was horrified to see that it was an elderly woman being viciously punched around the head. Mr Froude grabbed the offender and was quickly joined in his efforts by another person. However, the offender managed to wrestle himself free of their grip, attempting again to attack the defenceless woman who was barely conscious. Mr Froude again tried to restrain the offender, yelling at him to stop. In the struggle, the offender was pulled to the ground where he repeatedly yelled that he must kill the woman. Mr Froude and several others pinned him down and kept him away from the woman until police officers arrived at the scene.
For his actions, Mr Froude is commended for brave conduct.
Senior Constable Ian Frederick GOETHS
On the morning of 26 December 2003, Senior Constable Goeths apprehended a man who had stabbed four people in a series of incidents at West End, Brisbane.
Senior Constable Goeths and a colleague were on morning shift when they were called to the scene of a series of knife attacks. In an unprovoked action an armed offender had stabbed an elderly pensioner and then knifed a woman and a teenager who had gone to help their neighbour. The offender was sighted soon after, stabbing a defenceless workman in the back. Senior Constable Goeths grabbed at the offender, administering capsicum spray. A repeat spray also had no effect, and the attacker continued to stab the victim, ignoring police commands to stop. Senior Constable Goeths then grabbed the offender and pulled him away. He and his colleague took up strategic positions to prevent further attacks on the victim, but the offender lunged at Senior Constable Goeths. The man maintained his menacing behaviour and was fatally wounded as he again advanced on police.
For his actions, Senior Constable Goeths is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Paul James HEENAN
On the morning of 15 February 2007, Mr Heenan rescued a man from a burning truck on the Gateway Arterial Road at the Logan Motorway Overpass, Brisbane, Queensland.
Mr Heenan was travelling along the Gateway Arterial Road and pulled over at the scene of a truck crash. The vehicle's cabin had jumped a concrete barrier and was balancing over the edge adjacent to an embankment while the back of the prime mover remained on the road at a 90 degree angle to the cabin. The body of the truck was on fire, the fuel tanks were ruptured and fuel was spreading over the surrounding area. Mr Heenan saw that fire was begin to take hold of the cabin as he ran to assist the driver. Accessing the compartment through the passenger side door he found the man, unconscious in the foot well. Mr Heenan grabbed him from the burning cabin and pulled him to safety. Moments later the truck was entirely engulfed in flames. Mr Heenan comforted and reassured the victim until medical assistance arrived at the scene.
For his actions, Mr Heenan is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Robert HIRSCH
In the early hours of 16 October 2004, Mr Hirsch rescued friends from a vehicle accident on the Centenary Highway, Sandy Creek, Queensland.
Mr Hirsch was travelling in a car with several friends when their vehicle suddenly left the road and rolled several times before coming to a halt, overturned on its roof. Mr Hirsch called to everyone in the cabin to check their condition before smashing his window and crawling free of the car. He noticed small fires in the engine bay and quickly extinguished them with handfuls of dirt, and went to assist one of the passengers tangled awkwardly by her seatbelt. The girl was then able to scramble to safety through a window. Mr Hirsch removed a tree covering the side of the vehicle which was blocking the driver's exit. Mr Hirsch pulled him from the car and then assisted in dragging another friend away from the wreckage. Without thought for his own safety, Mr Hirsch lay on the petrol-soaked ground next to a young man trapped behind the driver's seat. He remained with his friend reassuring him and keeping him alert until medical and emergency services arrived at the scene.
For his actions, Mr Hirsch is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Bradley John KIDD
During riots in Honiara, Solomon Islands in April 2006, Mr Kidd was actively involved in defending the Pacific Casino Hotel and protecting and rescuing guests.
During civil disorder uprisings in 2006, rioters attacked the Pacific Casino Hotel. Mr Kidd, a prison advisor quartered at the hotel quickly mustered security guards and instructed them on the defence of the hotel as barrages of rocks rained down. Rioters made repeated attempts to break through, and at one point Mr Kidd's arm was fractured. As the defenders' position became untenable, Mr Kidd checked the safety of his wife and hotel guests. As the riot escalated, Mr Kidd briefed a police commander as they attempted to deter rioters by using tear gas. The following morning as rioting intensified Mr Kidd assisted police to evacuate the hotel, and then returned to look for remaining guests. He walked the evacuees along the coastline until a boat could be found and ensured they were all aboard and transported to safety.
For his actions, Mr Kidd is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Benjamin McGUIRE
On the afternoon of 29 July 2008, Mr McGuire assisted in rescuing an elderly woman from a vicious attack at a Noosa Heads beach, Queensland.
Mr McGuire had been walking with his wife and their two young sons when he noticed an agitated man acting oddly and talking to himself. Without provocation, the man reacted as he passed an elderly couple, yelling at the woman and striking her with a clenched fist. He then kicked her in the head repeatedly. Mr McGuire ran to the woman's rescue and was joined by others who had witnessed the attack. Mr McGuire and another man wrestled with the offender forcing him away from the woman while he continued threatening to kill her. As Mr McGuire turned his attention to help the bloodied and seriously injured woman, the offender broke free and began punching her again. Mr McGuire together with several other men were able to drag the offender away from the woman and restrain him until police officers arrived at the scene.
For his actions, Mr McGuire is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Benjamin Thomas MARION
During the night of 13 February 2008, Mr Marion assisted in a rescue attempt in floodwaters near Gogango, Queensland.
Torrential rains had cut roads and flooded waterways throughout central Queensland including the Gogango Creek west of Rockhampton. Mr Marion attended the scene of an accident, hearing that a man and a woman and their two children were trapped in a flooded lagoon after their vehicle was washed off the roadway. As rain continued to fall Mr Marion jumped into the water and swam out to the woman. She was disoriented and had been holding aloft her six month old child who was able to be rescued. However she was exhausted and barely able to keep her head above water. Mr Marion grabbed the woman and helped drag her to the edge of the water. He then returned to the woman's partner, helping him and his two year old son to safety. Moments later the woman collapsed as a result of her ordeal. Mr Marion began performing CPR and although a pulse could not be detected he continued his efforts until police officers arrived to assist. Sadly, the woman was unable to be revived.
For his actions, Mr Marion is commended for brave conduct.
Mr John Reginald MASSEY
Details not released at the request of Mr Massey.
Mr Ross Edward PETTIT
In the early afternoon of 14 December 2007, Mr Pettit rescued a woman from a submerged vehicle on Bribie Island, Queensland.
During a single vehicle accident, a driver inadvertently applied her car's accelerator instead of the brake. The car was propelled through a fence and plunged into a lagoon. Mr Pettit went to investigate, and seeing the car semi-submerged, drifting away from the shore, jumped into the lagoon. The female driver was panicking and highly agitated as Mr Pettit leaned through the open driver's window to undo her seatbelt. He tried opening the driver's door but it was jammed by the water pressure. The car then began to rapidly to submerge so, treading water, Mr Pettit struggled in the awkward conditions, trying to release the woman through the open window. He dived down into the murky water in an attempt to prise open the door. As he resurfaced for air, the woman had become released and appeared beside him. Unable to swim, the woman struggled, gripping her hands around Mr Pettit's neck, desperate to stay afloat. Maintaining his composure, Mr Pettit calmly reassured her, and was able to swim her safely back to shore.
For his actions, Mr Pettit is commended for brave conduct.
Mr Michael William RUSSELL
Details not released at the request of Mr Russell.
Ms Janet Ann VAISEY
On the morning of 26 December 2003, Ms Vaisey assisted a neighbour stabbed by an armed man during an incident at West End, Brisbane.
Before 6am on Boxing Day, Ms Vaisey heard a commotion and cries for help from one of her neighbours, an elderly male pensioner. At the scene she saw that in fact two of her neighbours had been stabbed as the result of an unprovoked attack. Several people were at the scene including a teenage boy who had gone to his neighbour's defence. As Ms Vaisey arrived the teenager was being stabbed by the offender. Acting spontaneously, Ms Vaisey grabbed a length of timber and, putting her own safety at risk, challenged the attacker to drop the weapon and move away from the victim. The offender stopped his attack momentarily, but as the teenager attempted to retreat he was stabbed in the back. Despite the horrifying scene, Ms Vaisey maintained her composure, and continued to stand up to the armed man. At the scene of a later incident, the offender was fatally wounded as he attempted to attack police.
For her actions, Ms Vaisey is commended for brave conduct.
Awarded a Group Bravery Citation
Awardees comprise of several crew members from the 35 Water Transport Squadron attached to the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition.
Mr Timothy GAY
Warrant Officer Class 2 Alistair Andrew SCOTT
On the night of 3 December 1987, several crew members from the 35 Water Transport Squadron rescued passengers and crew from the Nella Dan and transported them to Macquarie Island.
On the day of the incident, the 75 metre polar vessel, Nella Dan had been moored off Macquarie Island for resupply operations, also using a fuel line. Strengthening winds and rough seas developed in the early evening, causing the vessel to drag her anchor. The ship's hull ploughed into the rocky sea floor, opening up a hole in one of its fuel tanks. Within minutes of being alerted to the accident, members of the Squadron sailed three Light Amphibious Resupply Craft (LARC) into the huge seas to evacuate almost eighty Antarctic expeditioners and ship's crew. Although not suited to the dangerous conditions, the LARCs were manoeuvred alongside the Nella Dan. Howling winds hampered the rescue, as fuel from the ruptured ship sprayed up on to the decks of the vessel and over the evacuation ladders and personnel, creating slippery and hazardous conditions. The stricken ship could be heard screeching as metal pounded against rock. In treacherous conditions the rescuers transferred people by Jacob's ladder and ropes to the LARCs which made one to two trips each back to shore. As a result of the skill and tenacity of the crew members, no one was seriously injured in the operation which was successfully completed in less than one hour.
For their actions, they are recognised by the award of the Group Citation for Bravery.