Pride of Australia medals awarded to Stephen Ward, John Harris

TWO Tasmanians with significantly different stories have been recognised with Pride of Australia medals.

TWO Tasmanians with significantly different stories have been recognised with Pride of Australia medals.

The first was awarded to teenager Stephen Ward, who saved his father, John, and survived three nights in the Tasmanian wilderness when authorities had all but written off the pair’s chances of making it out alive.

Despite freezing conditions, Stephen managed to build a Bear Grylls-inspired shelter to protect himself and his dad from the elements.

Stephen said he still thinks about the ordeal every day, and urged people to live each day like it could be their last.

He has since written a book about the experience.

Tasmanian winners of Pride of Australia awards John Harris of Kelso, left, and Stephen Ward 13 of Rose Bay. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

“I’ve just finished it, I’m waiting for someone to publish it,” Stephen said.

The second Pride of Australia medal was presented to John Harris, who was part of the first group of community volunteers to begin treating wombats suffering from sarcoptic mange in the wild.

Despite being recognised for his efforts to save Tasmania’s wombat population, Mr Harris warned of the animals’ potential extinction without significant government intervention.

He said healthy wombats were still being legally shot due to government permits.

“Hundreds of wombats continue to die a hideous and barbaric death due to sarcoptic mites,” he said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, be proud of being Australian but be equally ashamed for letting this happen. This is not over, it’s just the beginning.”