Big adventure for courageous Burnie brothers Fletcher and Spencer Connelly

BRAVE Burnie brothers Fletcher and Spencer are off on their first trip to Sydney today – and they could bring back a unique souvenir.

BRAVE Burnie brothers Fletcher and Spencer Connelly are heading off on their first trip to Sydney today — and they could well bring back a unique souvenir.

The boys are national finalists in the Child of Courage category of the Pride of Australia Medal, which will be awarded tonight at a ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall.

Mum Alison Lander said her boys were very excited about the trip and the three of them would also try to squeeze in some sightseeing.

“We thought we might go and have a look in the windows of David Jones for their Christmas display and if we have time we’ll go catch a ferry to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the water,” she said.

The victims of an unspeakable tragedy in 2012 – when they suffered severe burns in a car fire Fletcher and Spencer showed enormous courage and resilience by going back to school full-time this year.

The Connelly boys owe their lives to Jenell Walker and Talissa Carling-Grey, who rushed to their aid after hearing an enormous ­explosion from a parked car.

They dragged Fletcher and Spencer from the flames and tried to keep the boys, then aged five and eight, calm as they waited for ambulances. The women are finalists in the Outstanding Bravery category.

A finalist in the Community Spirit category, Melissa Crosbie, runs the Zeehan neighbourhood centre and has helped to greatly improve the lives of many by forming youth groups and a “lunch with a mate” program for seniors.

Playing a leading role in getting medical supplies and other donations to West African areas affected by Ebola, refugee Isaiah Lahai is a nominee in the Fair Go category.

The Pride of Australia ceremony will be televised on ONE at 9.30pm on Saturday.