December 16, 2018
South Burnett Regional Council has awarded Bravery Certificates to four residents who displayed exceptional courage this year.
At the December Council meeting, Mayor Keith Campbell and Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff presented certificates to Fiona Simpson, Lex Petersen and Zachary Hairon.
They will present a certificate to Patrick Drinan – who was unable to attend the presentation – at a future time.
Fiona was given her award for protecting her baby from hail that smashed her car’s windows when the pair – along with Fiona’s mother – were trapped in storm that ripped through Coolabunia in October. Fiona was badly bruised and ended up in hospital.
Lex, Zachary and Patrick won their awards for trying to rescue a family from a house fire in Kingaroy on March 24.
They saved a young boy from the blaze, which tragically claimed three lives.
Kingaroy Police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant David Tierney, who was asked to speak at the presentation, said all four “had done what needed to be done” and praised their willingness to go to the aid of others in need.
Mayor Keith Campbell also praised the recipients.
“We are proud that we have these types of people living in our community – people who are willing to put their lives on the line to help others,” Mayor Campbell said.
Related articles:
* * *
South Burnett Regional Council CEO Mark Pitt also received a surprise award at the same meeting.
Mr Pitt, who served as CEO of the North Burnett Regional Council for nine years prior to joining South Burnett Regional Council, played a key role in the establishment of a $1 million disaster management centre in Gayndah.
Since its establishment in 2016, the new centre has gained attention from across the State as a prototype for disaster management in Queensland.
SES State Controller Mark Dohle and North Burnett SES Controller Brian Lowe praised Mr Pitt for the invaluable assistance he had provided to the project, and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for his work.
