Puckapunyal Corporal Hayden Guilfoyle will receive a national bravery award for rescuing teenagers in floodwaters in Townsville, Queensland.
Mr Guilfoyle is one of 13 people across Australia to receive a commendation for brave conduct, as part of the Australian Bravery Decorations Honours List.
Governor‐General David Hurley announced 22 Australian Bravery Decorations to recognise courageous acts.
Mr Guilfoyle’s award relates to a rescue on February 4, 2019, when, at about 2pm, he was responding to calls for emergency assistance with colleagues.
They were in an Australian light armoured vehicle in a flood-affected part of Townsville when they noticed four teenagers clinging to a street sign in fast-flowing, neck-high water.
An officer parked the vehicle about 25 metres away from the stranded teenagers, so as to not risk it being swept away in the water.
Mr Guilfoyle and a colleague left the vehicle, waded through the water, and dragged a rope with a heavy shackle on the end towards the teenagers.
They fixed the rope to a speed sign, creating a handrail between it and the vehicle.
Using the rope, Mr Guilfoyle and the colleague took each teenager back through the water to safety.
Governor-General Hurley said Australian Bravery Decorations recognised acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
“The awards I am announcing recognise people who, in a moment of peril, were selfless and brave. Confronted with danger, they chose to help others,” he said.
“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate recipients and offer our thanks for their brave action. I encourage recipients to wear their Australian Bravery Decoration with pride.
“The details of the brave acts are inspirational – the examples of selflessness and compassion reflect characteristics to which we all aspire.”
Two Australian Bravery lists are announced each year. The independent Australian Bravery Decorations Council makes recommendations to the Governor‐General regarding who should be recognised and at what level of award.
More information about Australian Bravery Decorations is available at www.gg.gov.au.
