Three Sunshine Coast surfers who rescued a man in a rip current and two local police officers who saved a woman from a fire have been recognised for their courage.
Zayde Taylor, Jai Taylor and Carter Bourke, along with Senior Constable Harrison Meier and Senior Constable Matthew Clark, were acknowledged at the Queensland Bravery Awards at Government House in Brisbane earlier this month.
They were among 19 people from around the state to be presented medals and commendations by the Governor of Queensland and Patron of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia Jeanette Young.
Zayde, Jai and Carter received Bronze Medals, while the former also received the Rupert Wilkes Trophy, awarded to a child aged 12 years or under at the time of the incident.
A citation detailed the surf incident at Peregian Beach on April 11, 2021.
“Three young surfers saw two men caught in a strong rip current beyond the breakers and calling for help.”
“Carter Bourke paddled towards the man in distress and used his surfboard as a flotation aid to support him in the water.
“Zayde Taylor joined him, helping to stabilise and guide the man through the rip towards the beach.
“Meanwhile, Jai Taylor remained further out to signal for lifeguard assistance, then ran to alert the lifesavers and directed them to the scene.
“All three boys then returned to assist lifesavers with the search for a second man who had disappeared beneath the surface.
“The rescue took place in unpatrolled surf with a strong rip that had already proved fatal to an adult swimmer.
“Acting without adult direction or safety equipment, the boys entered the water in hazardous conditions and displayed exceptional composure, teamwork and preparedness beyond their years.
“Their actions ensured one life was saved and enabled an immediate emergency response for the second victim.”
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They were awarded Bronze Medals for “bravery in hazardous surf conditions involving a significant degree of personal risk”.
Zayde also received the Rupert Wilkes Trophy, which recognises “young Australians whose courage and presence of mind inspire others”.
Meanwhile, the police officers claimed Certificate of Merits.
A citation detailed the house fire rescue at Buderim on July 17, 2023.
“Police were requested to conduct a welfare check for a woman believed to be at risk of self-harm.”
“Senior Constables Clark and Meier attended the address and, after locating signs of concern, were confronted by a warning from inside the house not to approach.
“While awaiting emergency service support, they heard screams and saw fire through a window.
“Without hesitation, they entered the residence and found a woman alight on the bathroom floor, with flames spreading to nearby materials.
“Senior Constable Meier dragged her clear of the fire, while Senior Constable Clark extinguished the flames in the room using bedding and household items.
“Together they smothered the burning fuel on the woman’s clothing, removed her from immediate danger, and provided first aid until ambulance officers arrived.
“Their actions involved limited but real personal risk from fire and smoke.
“Their prompt and coordinated response prevented severe injury or loss of life and contained the fire before it spread further within the home.”
They were awarded Certificates of Merit for “bravery in circumstances involving a limited degree of personal risk”.
RHSA president David Arden said the bravery awards honoured “Queenslanders who risked their lives for others”.
“Their actions show us the best of humanity: courage, compassion and resilience in the face of danger.”
Founded in 1874, the RHSA is Australia’s oldest bravery recognition charity. For more than 150 years, it has honoured over 8000 individuals who risked their lives to save others. The RHSA is the only bravery recognition body in Australia to also operate a Relief Fund, providing confidential financial support to injured rescuers and bereaved families. The society is independent of government, volunteer-governed, and endorsed by royal patronage since 1882.
Nominations are open year-round. Councils, emergency services and members of the public can put forward individuals who have risked their lives to save another. Visit rhsa.org.au or email bravery@rhsa.org.au.
