Media release

26 June 2015

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales will, as Patron, present bravery awards on behalf of the Royal Humane Society of New South Wales at Government House Sydney tomorrow (26 June 2015). A highlight will be the presentation of a 9ct gold medal to Mr Andrew Cochrane for his actions at a petrol tanker fire at Mona Vale in October 2013.

The medal was sent via diplomatic pouch from London.  The solid gold medal is awarded by the British Royal Humane Society after consideration of nominations from Commonwealth countries.

On 1st October 2013, a fully laden petrol tanker collided with a number of vehicles, rolled over leaking petrol which caught fire.  Mr Cochrane rescued two women from a car and then attempted to save two males trapped inside their vehicle which had caught fire.

25 other recipients will also be given Royal Humane Society of New South Wales awards, including silver and bronze medals and Certificates of Merit.

The awards recognize the bravery and self-sacrifice of those members of the community who have responded to help people whose lives were in immediate danger.

Full details of those being presented with awards and relevant citations can be found on the Royal Humane Society of New South Wales website.