Royal Humane Society Australasia’s Queensland Bravery Awards

The Royal Humane Society of Australasia Queensland, President, Lieutenant Colonel David Arden RFD (Retd); Outgoing Deputy National President, Mr Michael Pearson BM, APM; Representing the Commissioner, Queensland Fire Department, Assistant Commissioner Matt Bulow; Representing the Commissioner, Queensland Police Service, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Ms Katherine Innes APM; award recipients; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

As Patron of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia in Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House for this occasion. Today we have gathered to formally acknowledge and honour a number of remarkable Queenslanders who have risked their lives to save others.

The presentation of the Society’s Queensland Bravery Awards provides an opportunity for us to come face-to-face with these remarkable men and women, and to bear witness to inspiring stories of their selfless acts of bravery, which have inadvertently brought them here today. I say “inadvertently” as these Queenslanders did not seek this recognition. However, it has been indisputably earned––and of course often in particularly traumatic circumstances.

Since its inception over 150 years ago, the Royal Humane Society of Australasia has presented nearly 9,000 individuals with bravery awards, and it is now broadening its focus to recognise the collective efforts of the many people who respond to emergencies and disasters.

Today’s awards, which recognise both individuals and groups, serve to remind us of the extraordinary strength, courage and humanity that resides in everyday Queenslanders.

The citations we have heard this morning spoke of a range of hazardous and dangerous environments involving armed robberies, floodwater rescues and grain silo emergencies. We also heard stories of others who dealt with traumatic situations such as serious public mental health incidents and a confronting unit fire.

Each recipient did not act for recognition. They did not pause to weigh up the risks and consequences to their own personal safety. They acted quickly because someone needed help. Despite being faced with differing circumstances and challenges, each recipient showed extraordinary courage, decisiveness and an unwavering dedication to saving lives and protecting public safety. And their actions have left an indelible mark on the lives of others.

I imagine that the events have also left a mark on the lives of our award recipients. Some of you may still dwell on the incident, remembering it as though it were yesterday.

For others, the physical pain associated with the scenario that brought them here today may linger. I appreciate that each of you here may have faced personal challenges in learning to deal with the aftermath of your experience.

What we are determined to do with these awards, however, is to ensure your acts of bravery are recognised and honoured. I look forward to meeting you all over refreshments and hearing more details of any stories you would like to share with me.

In closing, I want to acknowledge the family members, friends and colleagues who join us at Fernberg today to share in this important occasion––in particular, Nicole Law, a recipient of the Clarke Gold Medal, who is here today to support individuals involved in a life-threatening incident alongside her.

And I thank the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for its important work in administering these awards.

As Governor, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I offer our award recipients our deepest gratitude, respect and admiration. In selflessly caring for others, you have reaffirmed our faith in community and in humanity. Thank you.