Royal Humane Society Bravery Awards, Executive Council, German-Pacific Parliamentary Friendship Group

Royal Humane Society’s 2022 Bravery Awards

Eight Western Australians that risked their lives to save the lives of others were today formally recognised at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House for the Royal Humane Society’s 2022 Bravery Awards.

The Governor spoke of their incredible acts of selflessness and bravery.

“Each one of you found yourself thrust into extraordinary life-or-death circumstances where – without hesitation – you set aside your own wellbeing and safety to help another,” he said.

“In each case there was no forewarning, no chance to prepare, no hesitation – there was simply courage.”

The Royal Humane Society’s 2022 Bravery Awards recipients are:

Jade Parker for going to the rescue of a man who had been attacked by a shark (believed to be a Great White of approximately 3.5m) at Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta, QLD on 8 August September 2020. Mr Parker and other surfers went to the man’s aid and placed him on a surfboard and took him to shore.

Constable Reece Josemans and Senior Constable Kylie Jones for going to the rescue of two people from their crashed and burning car at Harvey on 12 March 2022. As the first on scene they removed the windscreen and pulled the occupants from the car before it burst into flames.

Mesut Polat, Anna Jessop and Tiani Mitchell for going to the rescue of a woman from a burning car at Carlisle on 12 February 2022. When the car became engulfed in flames Mr Polat reached inside the burning vehicle and unlocked the door before removing the woman from the vehicle. Ms Jessop and Ms Mitchell were also alerted to the incident and came to help. They all provided assistance to the woman until emergency services arrived. 

Sergeant Craig Reynolds for going to the rescue of a woman in Wellard on 7 June 2021. When a woman appeared that she could fall from a bridge, Sergeant Reynolds climbed over the railing and with the assistance of the other police officers, he lifted the woman over the railing to safety.

Senior Constable Robert Gaynor for going to the rescue of a man who had been washed onto Sugarloaf Rock, Naturaliste on 7 June 2020. As the first on scene, Senior Constable Gaynor was dispatched to the scene, obtained a life ring and began descending the cliff face which was very steep and wet at the time to locate man. Senior Constable Gaynor walked along a narrow ledge and grabbed the man’s hand and despite the man slipping. Senior Constable Gaynor managed to retain his balance and guided the him to safety.

Photo credit: Michael Bain Photographics