Hero bushman Ben Gibbs reflects on William Callaghan’s miracle Mt Disappointment rescue
Volunteer Ben Gibbs, who found missing autistic boy William Callaghan after two nights in the freezing Mt Disappointment bush says the teen is “extraordinary” for surviving the ordeal.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The hero who found William Callaghan says he thinks the autistic teen is “extraordinary” for having survived two cold nights in the bush.
Volunteer Ben Gibbs, 52, says he admires William’s bravery. But he brushed off his own amazing effort, saying he just wanted to get the 14-year-old out of the elements.
“Will is actually the real hero because he did so well to survive, he’s extraordinary,” he told the Herald Sun.
“I admire Will for getting through those two nights, I’m not sure how I would’ve fared. I am so impressed at how well he coped.”
Even a leg injury could not keep Mr Gibbs away from the three-day search at Mt Disappointment, which he considers a special place.
“Sometimes in life, you just follow your instinct,” he said.
“There’s nothing more quintessentially Australian than wandering in the bush.”
Mr Gibbs foraged through hollow logs and under rock shelves — in a dense bush area not previously searched — until he stumbled across a shoeless Will.
“He was standing in a piece of dappled sunshine when I came across him,” he said.
He said he approached Will quietly and gently, insight he gained from a close friend’s son who has autism.
Mr Gibbs tapped his own chest to develop a rapport with the teenager, and was delighted when Will tapped his chest back — Will’s mum had suggested that first-contact move to anyone finding him.
While the two could not exchange words, Mr Gibbs said he felt a sense of mutual calm.
He offered Will raisin bread, a block of chocolate and his own shoes and socks, which the boy accepted.
He carried Will out for some of the 20-minute return to the main track, and at other times they walked. When he regained phone reception, Mr Gibbs called for assistance.
His wife Sue yesterday said she was “extremely proud” of him. “He’s like a local superman,” Ms Gibbs said.
“I knew if anyone could do it, he could do it. This is just how he is, it’s in his nature. When someone is in need, he is always happy to stop and help.
“He really felt like he needed to go out, he really felt like he was called to do this. He is my hero.”
Mr Gibbs said he was impressed by Inspector Christine Lalor of Victoria Police who led the delicate search mission.
“It was warming to see how invested she was, and how much it meant for her to find him,” he said.
The father of two was relieved yesterday to hear Will had been released from Royal Children’s Hospital.
“What is important is that he’s with family, having a good time together,” he said.
Will’s mum Penny Callaghan said she was “incredibly thankful” for Ben’s efforts and looked forward to meeting him.
“I would love to give him a hug,” she said.
After Will’s misadventure, he indulged in four big boxes of fries and a serve of chicken nuggets from McDonald’s.
Mr Gibbs treated himself to a bowl of vanilla ice cream when back home in Research.
He said the whole experience had resulted in a great bonus — he had made own children Sophie and Tyler proud of him.
MORE NEWS
BUSHMAN HAILED A HERO AS WILLIAM CALLAGHAN FOUND