Australian Bravery Decorations March 2023

Congratulations to the 16 Queenslanders named among the 39 Australian Bravery Decorations announced by the Governor-General overnight to recognise the courageous acts of 66 people.

• Australian Bravery Decorations March 2023

 

Bravery Medal (BM)

Mr Frank Daniel MONTAGUE, Nambour QLD 4560

Mr Frank Daniel Montague displayed considerable bravery for his actions during the rescue of a young boy from a rip in Maroochydore, Queensland on 4 September 2020.

 

Mr James Christopher WATERBURY, QLD

Mr James Waterbury displayed considerable bravery for his actions during the attempted rescue of a kite surfer in Geraldton, Western Australia on 20 October 2016.

 

Commendation for Brave Conduct (CBC)

Mr Gregory John ANDERSON, Robina QLD 4226

Mr Gregory Anderson is commended for brave conduct for his actions during the attempted rescue of a man from a rip in Currumbin, Queensland on 6 November 2020.

 

Mr Andrew David HOBMAN, QLD

Mr Andrew Hobman is commended for brave conduct for his actions assisting victims of a stabbing attack in Gordonvale, Queensland on 14 March 2016.

 

Mr Lindsay John LARNER, Mundubbera QLD 4626

Mr Lindsay Larner is commended for brave conduct for his actions rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle in Philpott, Queensland on 11 February 2021.

 

Mr Benjamin Charles McCAULEY, Eimeo QLD 4740

Mr Ben McCauley is commended for brave conduct for his actions retrieving a shark attack victim in Cid Harbour on Whitsunday Island, Queensland on 19 September 2018.

 

Mr Trevor Kenneth RICHARDS, QLD

Mr Trevor Richards is commended for brave conduct for his actions when he pushed a woman out of the path of an out of control vehicle in Woodford, Queensland on 22 April 2019.

 

Mr Lucas Glenn SHORT, Palm Beach QLD 4221

Mr Luke Short is commended for brave conduct for his actions rescuing two swimmers in Angourie, New South Wales on 2 January 2022.

 

Mr Daniel Gareth WILSON, Gladstone QLD 4680

Mr Daniel Wilson is commended for brave conduct for his actions during a house fire in West Gladstone, Queensland on 15 February 2017.

 

Group Bravery Citations

Mr Dean Andrew BIRD, Andergrove QLD 4740

Mr Glen Kenneth DUSSELL, QLD                                                      

The late Mr Matthew James STOCKMAN, formerly of QLD

The recipients are recognised with the award of the Group Bravery Citation for their actions rescuing people from burning vehicles following a collision on the Bruce Highway near Gindoran, Queensland on 5 August 2020.

 

Mrs Ann Margaret GILLIES, Birtinya QLD 4575

Mr Gary Gordon GILLIES ASM, Baringa QLD 4551

Mr Jack McINNES, QLD

Mr Stephen Kenneth RAINBOW, Takura QLD 4655

The recipients are recognised with the award of the Group Bravery Citation for their actions following a multi-vehicle collision on the Bruce Highway near Tiaro, Queensland on 17 April 2017.

 

In announcing the Bravery Decorations, the Governor-General said; “Today we recognise and celebrate the bravery of 66 people who put themselves in danger to help others. The courage they showed is matched by their selflessness and they deserve our respect, gratitude and recognition,” the Governor-General said.

“Each of the stories is striking and inspiring. In perilous situations the people we are celebrating chose to try and save others – often at great risk or cost to themselves. Tragically, one recipient of the Bravery Medal lost her own life seeking to save her two children and other recipients suffered injuries as a result of their actions.

“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate recipients and offer our thanks for their brave action. I encourage recipients to wear their Australian Bravery Decoration with pride.

“For the loved ones of those no longer with us – I hope that the posthumous acknowledgement of their bravery brings comfort. Their stories will not be forgotten.”

Two Australian Bravery lists are announced every year. The independent Australian Bravery Decorations Council makes recommendations to the Governor-General regarding who should be recognised and at what level of award.