Published Monday, 12 March, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER COMMENDS BRAVE QUEENSLANDERS
Premier Peter Beattie has commended the efforts of four courageous Queenslanders who were awarded Australian Bravery Award Decorations today.
Mr Beattie said the each of the Award recipients had demonstrated extraordinary bravery and were deserving of the national accolade.
“Senior Constable Audra Govenor and Constable David Hall of the Queensland Police were both awarded Bravery Medals today for their courageous efforts to rescue a woman from shark and crocodile infested waters at Mornington Island in 2004,” Mr Beattie said.
“Senior Constable Govenor and Constable Hall went above and beyond the call of duty by risking their own safety to rescue the inebriated woman in difficult circumstances and their efforts have not gone unnoticed,” he said.
Mr Beattie said Christopher Laney of Maroochydore had also been awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct after entering a burning Sunnybank Hills townhouse to check for occupants.
“Mr Laney entered the townhouse despite thick smoke, intense heat and the risk of the building collapsing, and assisted a male occupant to exit to safety.
“An Energex employee, Mr Laney also assisted the Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority by isolating electricity supply to the building and attempting to fight the fire with a garden hose until emergency personnel arrived.
“Through his bravery and quick thinking, Mr Laney saved the life of the male occupant and potentially the surrounding homes and today’s award recognises his courageous efforts.”
Mr Beattie said Moura resident Justin Leigh also received a Group Bravery Citation for his role in the rescue of the crew of a dismantled yacht that was participating in the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race.
“Mr Leigh and his fellow crew members were aboard the fishing vessel Moira Elizabeth when they received a call to assist the 17 sailors aboard Team Jaguar,” Mr Beattie said.
“Despite 60 knot winds, high seas and oncoming darkness, the crew of Moira Elizabeth continued their search until finding the stricken vessel at 4am and towing it to safety at daybreak.
“Mr Leigh, together with his fellow crew members, risked their own safety to rescue the crew of Team Jaguar in difficult conditions and their efforts well and truly warrant this recognition today.
“On behalf of all Queenslanders, I commend and congratulate the Smart State heroes and thank them for their brave efforts and extraordinary courage,” he said.
Media contact: 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said the each of the Award recipients had demonstrated extraordinary bravery and were deserving of the national accolade.
“Senior Constable Audra Govenor and Constable David Hall of the Queensland Police were both awarded Bravery Medals today for their courageous efforts to rescue a woman from shark and crocodile infested waters at Mornington Island in 2004,” Mr Beattie said.
“Senior Constable Govenor and Constable Hall went above and beyond the call of duty by risking their own safety to rescue the inebriated woman in difficult circumstances and their efforts have not gone unnoticed,” he said.
Mr Beattie said Christopher Laney of Maroochydore had also been awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct after entering a burning Sunnybank Hills townhouse to check for occupants.
“Mr Laney entered the townhouse despite thick smoke, intense heat and the risk of the building collapsing, and assisted a male occupant to exit to safety.
“An Energex employee, Mr Laney also assisted the Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority by isolating electricity supply to the building and attempting to fight the fire with a garden hose until emergency personnel arrived.
“Through his bravery and quick thinking, Mr Laney saved the life of the male occupant and potentially the surrounding homes and today’s award recognises his courageous efforts.”
Mr Beattie said Moura resident Justin Leigh also received a Group Bravery Citation for his role in the rescue of the crew of a dismantled yacht that was participating in the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race.
“Mr Leigh and his fellow crew members were aboard the fishing vessel Moira Elizabeth when they received a call to assist the 17 sailors aboard Team Jaguar,” Mr Beattie said.
“Despite 60 knot winds, high seas and oncoming darkness, the crew of Moira Elizabeth continued their search until finding the stricken vessel at 4am and towing it to safety at daybreak.
“Mr Leigh, together with his fellow crew members, risked their own safety to rescue the crew of Team Jaguar in difficult conditions and their efforts well and truly warrant this recognition today.
“On behalf of all Queenslanders, I commend and congratulate the Smart State heroes and thank them for their brave efforts and extraordinary courage,” he said.
Media contact: 3224 4500