Geelong resident among Bravery Decoration recipients

A GEELONG resident has been named among the list of recipients in this year’s Australian Bravery Decorations.

Announced by Australia’s Governor-General on Tuesday this week, Matthew Brunton was named a recipient of a Commendation for Brave Conduct following an incident four years ago.

Mr Brunton was awarded for his actions during the attempted rescue of a driver trapped in a crashed vehicle on fire, near the Victorian town of Allansford on January 31, 2020. His act of bravery was announced alongside 49 other Australian Bravery Decorations, recognising the courageous acts of 89 people in total.

The decorations acknowledge acts of bravery in the community where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives of others.

Governor-General David Hurley congratulated all those who received a decoration.

“On behalf of all Australians I congratulate the recipients of Australian Bravery Decorations. Confronted with danger, each chose to help someone. Their bravery is commendable, and their selflessness is inspirational,”he said.

“In a moment of peril, each of the people we are recognising today decided to come to the aid of someone else – some, someone they knew, others a total stranger. Often their actions were at a cost to themselves. Tragically, two recipients lost their own lives.

“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. For the loved ones of those no longer with us – it is my hope that the posthumous acknowledgement of their bravery brings some comfort. Their stories will not be forgotten.”