Todd honoured with bravery award following selfless act

A BARWON Heads man has been honoured with an Australian Bravery Award for rescuing a man from a burning vehicle.
Todd Robertson, 29, was recognised by the governor-general on Sunday for courage displayed during his selfless act back in 2016.
Mr Robertson and a friend were travelling on Shute Harbour Road in Queensland when they noticed the traffic ahead had stopped.
As they neared the scene they could see that a utility had hit a power pole, and sparks and a large explosion were also observed at the top of the pole.
The sparks ignited a jerry can of petrol in the back of the utility setting the vehicle on fire.
Mr Robertson stopped his car and both he and his friend ran towards the burning vehicle.
The driver’s door was ajar and the driver was still inside.
The dazed and injured driver attempted to exit the vehicle however power lines lay on the ground nearby obstructing the man’s exit, with one also on top of the utility.
Mr Robertson quickly approached the burning vehicle and made several attempts to assist the driver out, however the heat and power lines forced him back.
The driver, who by this stage had serious burns, managed to exit the vehicle.
Without hesitation, and despite the intense heat and fallen powerlines, Mr Robertson removed his singlet and threw one end of it to the injured driver.
The man held onto the singlet and tried to walk forward but kept staggering backwards.
At this point, a bystander arrived with a fire extinguisher and Mr Robertson directed the nozzle towards the injured driver dousing the flames.
He then took the man by the hand and led him away from the burning car.
Mr Robertson’s friend instructed bystanders to gather wet towels which were placed on the injured man until emergency services arrived.
Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries, the elderly driver later passed away.
Mr Robertson was among 74 Australians recognised with Australian Bravery Awards for their courage, selflessness and sacrifice.
More information about the bravery awards is available at gg.gov.au or itsanhonour.gov.au