Attempted rescues at sea and on the road earn top gongs

Three Tasmanians, two who tried to save the life of a fisherman and another who attempted to pull a driver from a burning vehicle have been recognised in this year’s Australian Bravery Awards. READ THEIR STORIES >>

Tyler Hollmer-Cross of Dodges Ferry and mate Zeb Critchlow of Acton Park are receiving Australian bravery awards. Picture: Zak Simmonds

• Coroner credits rescuers
• Sunday fishing trip ends in tragedy

Three Tasmanians are among 29 Australians to be honoured in this year’s Australian Bravery Awards.

Hobart surfers Zeb Critchlow and Tyler Hollmer-Cross have been recognised for the bravery they showed during an attempted sea rescue near Marion Bay in 2018.

Penguin’s Terry Townsend has been awarded for his role in trying to save a driver in the aftermath of a fiery crash in NSW in the same year.

Tyler Holmer-Cross and Zeb Critchlow. 2019 Tasmanian winners of the Pride of Australia awards. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“On behalf of all Australians, I would like to congratulate and thank the individuals

being recognised today. Their deeds and selflessness are inspirational,” Governor-General David Hurley said.

“The people receiving awards didn’t wake up in the morning and decide that they would be brave – each was faced with an unexpected situation and made a conscious choice, in the moment, to turn towards the danger and help others.”

“To highlight one example, Miss Ruth Dhurrkay displayed conspicuous courage by

stopping a violent attack.

“She acted without thought for her own safety and saved a 12 year old who was being assaulted by a youth with a machete.

“She was just 13 at the time and is receiving the Star of Courage – of which less than 200 have been awarded.”

In total this year, one Star of Courage medal has been awarded along with 15 bravery medals, six commendations for brave conduct and three group bravery citations involving eight individuals.