POA: Brave Jett Patterson’s efforts to save dad sum up Aussie spirit

POA: JEREMY Patterson describes his six-year-old son Jett as “my little hero”.

Jett Pattinson 5 with his Dad Jeremy Pattinson. Jett has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Child of Courage medal after helping save his Dad Jeremy who had suffered serious fractures in a motorbike accident last year.

“HE’S my little hero.”

That’s how Jeremy Patterson describes his six-year-old son Jett, who was instrumental in saving Jeremy’s life after a motorbike accident in December last year.

Mr Patterson was riding with his son at a bush reserve near Lilydale, in the state’s north, when he lost control of his motorbike and crashed, suffering serious leg injuries.

Out of phone range and with few houses nearby, Jett rushed to his father’s aid and listened to careful instructions given to him by his dad.

“He was calm,” Mr Patterson said.

“He saw the extent of the injuries and knew what had happened to me straight away. I just asked him to go and find me some help.”

Jett rode off on his quad-bike in search of help and ­returned twice without having found anyone.

However, 22 minutes later he returned for a third time after finding some nearby mountain bike riders who were able to ride off to call for help.

It was the first time that Jett had ever ridden by himself without adult assistance.

“Not once did he hesitate to do anything I asked him to,” Mr Patterson said.

Mr Patterson, who is still ­recovering from his injuries, said his son’s calmness and bravery did not surprise him.

“I had full confidence in him because he is that type of kid,” he said. “You ask him to do something and he’ll do it. What he did was pretty unreal. He was very brave.”

Mr Patterson and his partner Jennifer have nominated Jett for a Child of Courage Medal in the annual Pride of Australia Medal awards.

The nomination period for the awards — now in their 11th year — opens today and runs until Sunday, July 19.

News Corp Australia chief executive Julian Clarke said the initiative aimed to focus on Australians who did extraordinary things throughout the community.

“Since launching in 2004, our Pride of Australia awards have honoured hundreds of Australians, highlighting the remarkable contributions they make to their communities,” Mr Clarke said.

“More often than not they receive little recognition and no reward for their selfless ­efforts, so this program aims to celebrate and thank these true Aussie heroes.

“This year the Sunday Tasmanian will bring the inspiring stories of our Pride of Australia nominees and winners to our readers, and appropriately recognise their outstanding contribution to making Tasmania a better place.”

To nominate an unsung hero for a Pride of Australia Medal 2015 award in one of 10 medal categories, visit our Pride of Australia page

Pride of Australia Medal Categories

1. Outstanding Bravery Medal

For an Australian, or group of Australians, who, through their act/s of bravery, helped save or attempted to save a life/lives.

2. Courage Medal

For an Australian, who through his or her act/s of courage have overcome personal adversity through determination and strength of character.

3. Heroism Medal

To recognise a member or members (professional or volunteer) of the SES, police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, defence forces, air rescue service who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect the community.

4. Community Spirit Medal

To recognise an individual or a group whose selfless, tireless and largely unacknowledged actions have enriched the lives of those around them in their community.

5. Child of Courage Medal

A child 16 years or under who has helped save, or attempted to save, the life of another or overcome personal adversity through determination and strength of character, allowing them to improve the quality of not only their lives, but also those around them.

6. Young Leader Medal

A person under 25 years who has advanced a community, or will advance a community, through academic or personal endeavours.

7. Care and Compassion Medal

To recognise a professional or volunteer carer or group, or a member of the health professions who has made a significant improvement to the lives of those around them.

8. Inspiration Medal

To recognise a member of our teaching professions from early childhood to university education or a role model whose compassion and wisdom while teaching, coaching and mentoring our youth has been truly inspiring.

9. Environment Medal

For an Australian or group of Australians whose actions have demonstrated leadership, raising awareness and/or teaching others about environmental issues.

10. Fair Go Medal

For an Australian permanent resident or citizen, born overseas, who has enriched Australia through their community involvement, hard work and willingness to embrace their new home.

[e-mail]