12yo Beau led emergency services to downed motorcyclist out bush

A little legend has been praised by emergency services for leading a rural rescue mission into croc-inhabited scrubland in Herbert. Read what happened.

Darcy Fitzgerald

@Drcyftz

less than 2 min read

April 9, 2025 - 3:26PM

12-year-old Beau received praise from both St John NT and NT Police for his heroics in saving an injured motorcyclist out bush. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory

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A little legend has been recognised by emergency services for his efforts in leading a rural rescue mission into remote scrubland.

Beau, age 12, used his local knowledge and quad bike skills to lead Northern Territory Police and ambulance to an injured motorcyclist in Herbert on March 27.

The boy even lent police a spare quad bike to reach the downed motorcyclist quicker.

“It was a wet, boggy drive,” Beau said.

“When we got to the accident, the guy was pretty much just lying there in waist-deep water.

Beau would frequently quad bike in the scrubland where the motorcyclist crashed. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“There can be drop-offs in the water, and sometimes crocodiles.

“It was a pretty intense situation, but I felt like a superhero knowing I helped the police reach the guy.

“They were really thankful, and I don’t think they would’ve gotten there without me.”

Beau’s mother, Bridie Morley, was in the St John NT emergency communications centre at the time of the rescue, working as the Territory deployment manager.

“I did consider whether I was doing the right thing exposing my child to this scenario, but for Beau to step up and be an aid to the police is just amazing,” she said.

“I couldn’t be prouder.”

Bridie Morley, Nathan Finn and Craig Garraway joined in the praise of the little legend. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

At a ceremony at St John headquarters on Wednesday, emergency services representatives praised Beau for assisting the first responders.

“Beau provided excellent support in guiding police to the injured motorcyclist,” St John operations manager Craig Garraway said.

NT Police Federation head Nathan Finn complimented Beau’s “local knowledge”.

“Local knowledge is key in any rescue effort,” Mr Finn said.

When asked if he’d like to follow in his mother’s footsteps and pursue work as an emergency responder, Beau responded, “it would definitely be an option”.