15-year-old Territorian wins Star of Courage award after saving friend’s life from machete attack
PUTTING her life on the line to save a friend from a savage machete attack has earned a Territory teen one of Australia’s highest bravery awards
Northern Territory
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PUTTING her life on the line to save a friend from a savage machete attack has earned Karama teenager Ruth Dhurrkay one of Australia’s highest bravery awards.
As part of the Australian Bravery Awards, Ruth received the Star of Courage – the second highest bravery award on offer and the highest as part of the 2020 awards – today after stepping in to save her friend who was being attacked in Galiwinku in October 2018.
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Then aged just 13, Ruth confronted danger when her friend was attacked by a youth who had been abusing solvents and chased the girl with the weapon after becoming agitated.
On reaching the girl, the offender struck Ruth’s friend with the machete before hitting her several times and inflicting numerous injuries.
Ruth sprung into action, running to her friends’ assistance, grabbing the offender’s arms and torso to stop him from further hitting her friend without any thought for her own safety.
As well as wrestling the attacker, Ruth calmed him down and eventually stopped the attack.
Ruth hurt her right elbow in the tussle.
The offender eventually left the scene with Ruth helping her friend, who was in great pain, to her feet and back to the safety of her home.
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She was eventually taken to the local clinic and then flown to Royal Darwin Hospital, all thanks to the bravery of Ruth.
Ruth was one of 29 Australians and the only Territorian recognised at today’s awards, with her Star of Courage one of less than 200 ever awarded.
Originally published as 15-year-old Territorian wins Star of Courage award after saving friend’s life from machete attack