Giving thanks to the heroes who ‘epitomise the Australian way’
THE last time Rawson Phillips, 9, was in Travis Boland’s arms he was plucked from certain death in a blazing car wreck. Mr Boland is one of 15 honoured with a Pride of Australia medal.
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OUR streets are set to get a whole lot safer when true blue Aussie heroes Allice and Derek Ah-Chong join the NSW Police Force.
The pair of remarkably brave young men were among an inspirational group of NSW heroes honoured at The Daily Telegraph’s annual Pride of Australia awards.
Along with their dad Sivei and mum Pearl, Derek and Allice risked their own lives to rescue their neighbour Wayne Greenhalgh, who was being brutally attacked by a machete-wielding maniac in Minto in September.
The pair are completing their bachelor of policing degrees at Western Sydney University, and yesterday they met their future boss, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who showered the brave young men with praise.
“To know these two young men are hoping to join the NSW Police Force should give the community a great deal of confidence in the future,” Mr Scipione said.
Emotions ran deep at the 12th annual Pride of Australia Awards, which honoured 15 outstanding individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities, chosen from among dozens of nominations from across NSW.
“Get the tissues ready because I promise you, you will need them,” warned host Sandra Sully as the medal ceremony commenced.
Also chuffed were Bill Phillips and his son Rawson, who had the chance to thank Travis Boland for saving their lives in a burning car wreck. It was the first time they had met.
Nine-year-old Rawson was overwhelmed, bursting into tears as he hugged Mr Boland, who had dragged the pair out of their blazing overturned four-wheel-drive moments before it exploded on an isolated road in central western NSW.
“It happened so quickly,” Mr Boland said, downplaying his heroics and giving credit to emergency services for being quickly on the scene.
Another breathtaking tale of bravery involved surfing mates Joel Trist and Brett Connellan, who had a terrifying encounter with a great white shark earlier this year.
Mr Trist saw the monster attack his mate and swam straight at the shark, grabbing Mr Connellan and dragging him up on to his own board before paddling him to shore.
But yesterday he denied he was a hero, paying tribute instead to two nurses who happened to be on the Kiama beach at the time and were able to stem the bleeding until an ambulance arrived.
The Daily Telegraph’s general manager Michael Wilkins said these breathtaking stories — and so many others — typified those whose deeds were recognised at the awards, which are organised by News Corp Australia and supported by Clubs NSW.
“Our medallists epitomise the spirit of support and selflessness we think epitomise the Australian way,” he said.
Clubs NSW chief executive Antony Ball said the medallists were the “glue that binds our society”.
“Some of the stories we’ve heard have been nothing short of inspirational — people putting their own lives in danger to protect others, or people overcoming serious personal adversity in order to make a meaningful contribution to the community,” Mr Ball said.
Other winners included the water police crew from Port Stephens who spent more than 24 hours in gales saving four boats and their crew in a fearsome January storm.
Sexually abused as a child, 14-year-old teenager Lilly Lyons now helps other teenagers overcome the horrors of abuse, and Kylie Smith assists women battling depression and trauma through her Embracing Arms group.
The inspiring story of Kath Kosche brought tears to the audience’s eyes. Kath broke her back twice and then suffered the trauma of discovering the dead body of her partner who had taken his own life. She now dedicates her life to helping others facing trauma through her Kindness Factory movement.
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the day came when Sudanese refugee and former child soldier turned legal eagle Deng Adut was reunited with the son of the man who took him in and gave him a chance at life. Paul Hicherson was a surprise guest and Mr Adut leapt off the stage and hugged his friend in a reunion that brought cheers and tears from the crowd.
There was also a moving tribute by Laurie Daley to recently deceased sports columnist Rebecca Wilson, who was heavily involved in the Pride Of Australia awards, hosting them until 2011.
“She was tough witty and extremely hard working, she called it like she saw it, like it was and how it should be,” he said. “And she always made a point of giving back where possible.”
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