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Heroic kindergarten teacher identified after horror crash

A heroic kindergarten teacher who died saving preschoolers from an out-of-control water tanker that crashed through the school's playground has been identified. Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant worked with children with special needs at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek in Melbourne’s northwest. Bryant tragically died at the scene after the crash, while a three-year-old boy was injured and was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with a serious upper-body injury following the incident, Ambulance Victoria said. The driver of the truck, 68, is thought to have had a medical episode and was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition, but police are still investigating the incident. Sunrise reporter Teegan Dolling paid tribute to Bryant on Tuesday morning, saying, “She is the mum herself of two really young children. She’s been remembered this morning as a very happy speech pathologist, and mum who loved it here at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School." “What she did yesterday police are saying was heroic. She was working here at the school looking after a three-year-old boy. It was around 2.30pm when the water truck came hurtling down the road, smashed through the play equipment and it was playtime. “The preschoolers were out on the playground. She’s selflessly put herself in harm’s way … saving the life of the three-year-old. “Sadly, she died at the scene. A little boy was rushed to hospital. He’s got injuries to his upper body. As to why this has happened, the police are still investigating. “The scene is cleared here this morning. They believe the 68-year-old truck driver may have had a medical episode.” McKenzie Water owner Alan McKenzie confirmed that the truck belonged to his company and the driver was understood to have suffered a medical episode, adding that they were "devastated" by the crash and sending their "deepest sympathies" to those affected. Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the kindergarten. “It appears there’s some contact with that bridge — we can see some debris,” he said. “There are also some signs on the left-hand side of the road that appear to have been struck as well." “It’s a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse. This is one of those close calls and I don’t know how only one person has died today.” Image credits: Seven

Caring

Devastated wife reveals croc attack victim's heroic final act

The grieving wife of the 40-year-old doctor who was killed by a crocodile in Far North Queensland has spoken out about her husband's heroic actions in the moments before his tragic death. David Hogbin, a general practitioner from Newcastle, was holidaying near Cooktown with his wife Jane and their three young sons when he was attacked by a crocodile. The family of five were walking along an established path on a riverbank when it is believed part of the bank gave way, causing Hogbin to fall into the river below. “Jane, who was nearby but not walking with Dave at the time, heard the splash and slid down to desperately try to pull him out,” family friend Alex Ward wrote on <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-dave-hogbins-family-after-tragic-crocodile-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">GoFundMe</a>. “Due to the steepness and slipperiness of the bank, Jane was able to grab his arm but began slipping into the river herself.” Jane said her husband was "doing everything right" during the frantic incident, reflecting on his selflessness in his final moments. “He saved me — his last act was to not pull me in with him,” she told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/dads-selfless-final-act-before-fatal-crocodile-attack-in-queensland/news-story/72a7140759ca5f22bb263ad1b0a390eb" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">news.com.au</a>. Hogbin let go of his wife’s arm during the attack, which meant she was able to find safety on the riverbank as he was taken by the crocodile. “I’m glad I’m still here, because it could have been a million-fold worse for everyone involved, not just the boys,” Jane said. “I have a lot of comfort in knowing there’s nothing that I’m frustrated or angry about — he was just walking around a corner on a well-worn path.” Ward said it was a “small consolation” Hogbin’s three young sons did not directly see him being taken by the crocodile. Jane is now focused on helping her kids get through the tragedy while being determined to keep memories of their father alive. “I want them to know how dedicated he was as a father — he always jokingly offered to be a stay-at-home dad and never work again, because they were his number one priority,” she said. “David touched so many people’s lives that everyone deserves to know who he was and how it all ended for him." “I want to put a face to this tragedy — someone didn’t just get killed by a crocodile, we have lost a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and doctor.” Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

Heroic great-grandma saves two-year-old from collapsed ceiling

In a heart-stopping moment of bravery and maternal instinct, 88-year-old Nicky Panagiotidis shielded her great-grandson, two-year-old Harvey, from a collapsing ceiling in their Melbourne home. The incident occurred at Panagiotidis' residence in Ascot Vale, where she was caring for Harvey late in the afternoon. According to Harvey's mother, Nicole Brown, the terrifying ordeal unfolded suddenly. As the ceiling began to crack, Panagiotidis swiftly reacted, rolling over off the couch to cover young Harvey with her own body. Brown, overwhelmed with gratitude and admiration for her grandmother's quick thinking, remarked, "I just know that motherly instinct that she has went through her to be a hero - she is actually a hero for him," <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/ascot-vale-great-grandmother-saves-grandson-from-ceiling-collapse/9f2bd38f-5254-4f53-981b-e3fb4b9c1bd9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she told 9News</a>. In a moment of urgency, Panagiotidis managed to contact her daughter, Julie Polimos, informing her of the dire situation: "The ceiling is on top of me and we can't move." Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene, discovering the pair with thankfully minimal injuries. Despite the trauma of the event, Panagiotidis displayed remarkable resilience. Despite suffering bruising on her back and shoulders, she managed to walk to the ambulance and was later discharged from the hospital. Speaking of her mother's strength, Polimos highlighted Panagiotidis' dedication to traditional values, noting her commitment to home-cooked Greek Mediterranean meals over takeaways. "She doesn't buy takeaways, she always cooks home meals... Greek Mediterranean meals," Polimos proudly stated. The family attributes the ceiling collapse to a water leak, which they had noticed a week prior, observing cracks and sagging in the structure. However, amidst the unfortunate circumstances, they are immensely grateful for the fortunate outcome and the selfless actions of Panagiotidis, which will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the extraordinary love shared within the family. Images: 9News

Family & Pets

Heroic fan tackles deadly shooter at victory parade

Three people have been taken into custody after a deadly shooting at a Super Bowl victory parade, where one person has died. At least 21 people have suffered injuries, nine of which being children, at the parade in Kansas City, following the Kansas Chiefs victory over the San Francisco 49ers. As one of the shooters opened fire in the crowd, one heroic football fan was captured on video tackling the gunman to the ground. The video also shows panicked crowds fleeing the sounds of the gunfire, as police ran towards the commotion. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed in a second update to media that one person had died after 22 people had been shot. “We have three persons detained and under investigation,” she said. “We are working to determine if one of the three is the one that was in that video where fans assisted police.” She added that “right now we do not have a motive, but we are asking those who may potentially have any kind of information, a witness or video, to contact police”. At an earlier briefing, Ms Graves said she was “angry at what happened today”. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said, “The celebration was marred by a shooting. This is absolutely a tragedy.” Witness Kade Collins, who attending the parade with his dad, described the ordeal to local news station Fox 4 KC. “We heard 10 to 12 gunshots, but we thought they were fireworks, so we didn’t really panic at first or get too worked up. But then everyone started screaming and took off running,” Mr Collins said. Mr Collins said his dad saw police tackle a suspect after the crowd saw the gunman. “When we were walking out, there was someone pointing and saying, ‘He’s right there, he’s right there’, and police ran to the guy the crowd was pointing at and tackled him and put him in handcuffs,” he said. “Everyone took off running and screaming.” The Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement that all players, coaches, staff and their families were “safe and accounted for”, while sharing their condolences for those who were impacted by the shooting. “We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the team said. "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City ... We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist.” Image credits: Getty Images <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">

Caring

Teen lifesaver's heroic rescue after cliff jump

A teen lifesaver has been praised for her heroic effort to rescue three boys stranded in a cave, after a cliff jump went wrong. With temperatures soaring up to 37C near the coast in Sydney, many locals decided to go to the beach to escape the heat. One group of teenage boys decided to go cliff jumping over the Warriewood Blowhole, north of Manly. But, things started to go wrong when one 15-year-old boy slammed his head on the water after diving from the cliff, leaving him semi-unconscious. As his two friends clambered over rocks to move him into a cave below the cliff, the trio quickly became stranded as waves pounded the rocks. Lifesaver Saskia Rundle Towbridge, 16, was quick to jump into action, hopping into the rubber duck and bravely manoeuvring her way through rough waves to rescue the boys. “The waves were pretty big, especially when I was coming in,” she told Nine. “I got thrown up against them, and the cord of my rescue tube was stuck on the rocks, so I was being battered for about two minutes.” She eventually made it onto the rocks and was able to swim the boys back to the boat. The injured teen was treated by lifesavers before an ambulance was called, as he was disoriented and couldn't remember where he was. The 15-year-old was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital and is in a stable condition. Images: Nine

Domestic Travel

Tiny chihuahua saves 90-year-old woman with heroic act

In the world of unlikely heroes, step aside Batman, move over Superman, because Minnie the Chihuahua cross is here to steal the spotlight. This petite pooch from Kingston, in the South Australia's southeast, has recently been showered with praise for her unexpected, life-saving antics. Picture this: Minnie, a little dog with a heart as big as her bark, not particularly keen on hugs, found herself in a situation that required more than just a wag of her tail. On that fateful Friday, December 1, Minnie noticed that her 90-year-old owner, Joyce Gibbs, was in a bit of a pickle – struggling to catch a breath. Now, most dogs might just tilt their heads in confusion (you can picture it) or fetch a chew toy, but not Minnie. Untrained in any form of medical assistance, Minnie decided to take matters into her own paws. Whether by sheer luck or by innate instinct, the canine prodigy leaped onto Joyce’s lap and – brace yourselves – pressed the medical alert device hanging around her neck. Yes, you heard that right; she hit the SOS button, sending out a message that would make any emergency service scramble into action. Lyn Gibbs, Joyce’s daughter, expressed her astonishment, “Minnie never jumps up in that chair when mum is in it..." she <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/chihuahua-praised-for-saving-90-year-old-south-australian-owner-struggling-to-breathe-c-12821344" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7News</a>. "Minnie knew she needed help, so she jumped up, trying to help her.” A stroke of genius? An incredibly lucky accident? Either way, Minnie became the the hero of the moment, saving the day like a furry little Avenger. As Joyce found herself in the hospital grappling with Rhinovirus, Minnie continued to be her unwavering companion. Doctors predicted a three-week recovery period, but after only four days, Joyce was back home, thanks to the vigilant care of her four-legged saviour. Lyn couldn’t help but gush about Minnie’s dedication, “Minnie’s been so good from the day I got her... she’s the best dog... she doesn’t leave her side.” Move over Florence Nightingale; we’ve got Minnie, the dedicated dog nurse, taking care of business. This heartwarming tale isn’t just about Minnie’s heroics; it’s a reminder of the importance of those pesky but life-saving medical alert devices. As Lyn says: “The medical alert is just so important for old people... a lot of them won’t wear them. They put them on the cupboard or on the table, but you really need them at all times, especially in the shower.” So, take heed: wear your devices and maybe, just maybe, you'll have a four-legged hero by your side, ready to leap into action when you least expect it. In a world where a Chihuahua can be the difference between a close call and catastrophe, we salute you, Minnie, for proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Images: 7News

Caring

Groomsman’s heroic act in wake of bus crash tragedy

As news continues to break over the devastating Hunter Valley wedding bus crash, all eyes are on the survivors, and all thoughts go out to them and the victims, as well as their heartbroken families. <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/more-than-we-can-bear-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-identified">10 people lost their lives in the tragedy, with dozens more rushed to hospital with injuries at every end of the scale</a>. And, as it has now been revealed, up to nine of them were members of the Warrandyte Cricket Club, all guests at the wedding the bus had been travelling from. One of those members was 27-year-old Brandon Stafford, a close friend and former teammate of the groom, Mitchell Gaffney. They had played together for the Victorian club while Gaffney and his bride - Maddy Edsell - had lived before making the move to the Hunter Valley region. Stafford was a groomsman for Gaffney’s big day, and according to his mother, a hero to his fellow bus passengers as well. As Nine News reported, Stafford had been onboard at the time of the crash, and had suffered a broken jaw. But it hadn’t stopped him from trying to help everyone around him, according to his mother. She explained that Stafford had called her around midnight to let her know there had been an accident, but that she had no further knowledge of what had transpired, or how bad the situation truly was. Despite his injuries, she said, Stafford went on to try and pull the other trapped and injured passengers from the bus, before he was taken to Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital himself. Royce Jaksic, president of the Warrandyte Cricket Club, had previously informedThe Sydney Morning Herald that a number of their current players - and their partners - were on the bus when tragedy struck. He said that the group were “extremely lucky” to have escaped with their lives, and “some minor injuries - a broken jaw, a broken collarbone, things like that. “But, you know, compared to the 10 people that have tragically lost their lives, I think we’ve been blessed in this one. “If you do the maths, they’ve been extremely lucky. We’ve just got fingers and toes crossed that no one else loses their lives.” And when news of their involvement was shared to the club’s official Facebook page, support flooded in from neighbouring organisations, and concerned onlookers, with each offering their ongoing support, and thoughts in their difficult time. “My deep condolences to the Gaffney & Edsel families and to all the Warrandyte Community who are connected to the passengers in some way,” one wrote. “I acknowledge the loss, grief and trauma. I am sending my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time and comfort during the tough time ahead.” “On behalf of myself and the whole RDCA family we are devastated to hear this news and send our thoughts and immense support to all the families involved as well as everyone at Warrandyte Cricket Club,” said another. Images: 7 News / Seven, Facebook

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What should the Australian War Memorial do with its heroic portraits of Ben Roberts-Smith?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kit-messham-muir-129956">Kit Messham-Muir</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> On Friday, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dismissed-legal-experts-explain-the-judgment-in-the-ben-roberts-smith-defamation-case-191503">Federal Court dismissed</a> Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. Justice Anthony Besanko ruled the newspapers had established, by the “balance of probabilities” (the standard of evidence in a civil lawsuit), that Roberts-Smith had committed war crimes. Following the ruling, much public debate has focused on what the Australian War Memorial should do with Robert-Smith’s uniform, helmet and other artefacts of his on display. Greens senator David Shoebridge <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidShoebridge/status/1664140665666826240">called for</a> the removal of these objects from public display to correct the official record and “to begin telling the entire truth of Australia’s involvement in that brutal war.” The topic of what to do with Roberts-Smith’s uniform and helmet was debated on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH1oVNVJP1k">ABC’s Insiders yesterday</a>: should the display be removed, effectively cancelled, or changed to tell the full story? <h2>The case of the oil paintings</h2> It is not just these artefacts on display. The memorial also has two heroic oil painting portraits of Roberts-Smith by one of Australia’s leading artists, <a href="http://www.michaelzavros.com/">Michael Zavros</a>. These paintings were commissioned by the memorial in 2014. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=448&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=448&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=448&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=563&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=563&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529980/original/file-20230605-16883-qhpzvv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=563&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Michael Zavros, Pistol grip (Ben Roberts-Smith VC), 2014, oil on canvas, 162 cm x 222 cm. <a class="source" href="https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2092390">© Australian War Memorial</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></figcaption></figure> <a href="https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2092390">Pistol Grip (Ben Roberts-Smith VC)</a> is a larger-than-life-sized depiction of Roberts-Smith, camouflage arms outstretched, mimicking the action of holding a pistol. The smaller <a href="https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2092391">Ben Roberts-Smith VC</a> depicts him in ceremonial military uniform. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=442&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=442&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=442&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=555&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=555&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529982/original/file-20230605-23-pgn7xe.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=555&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Michael Zavros, Ben Roberts-Smith VC, 2014, oil on canvas, 30 x 42 cm. <a class="source" href="https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2092391">© Australian War Memorial</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></figcaption></figure> In an <a href="https://memoreview.net/reviews/the-anti-art-of-war-by-rex-butler-and-paris-lettau">article in arts criticism website Memo</a> yesterday, respected Monash University art historian Rex Butler and arts journalist Paris Lettau weighed into the debate. Butler and Lettau say Pistol Grip is: <blockquote> threatening, over-bearing, macho, hyper-masculine, celebratory, and enormous, like the man himself – some 220 centimetres wide and 160 centimetres high. </blockquote> When Zavros created his large portrait it was a depiction of a soldier doing what he was trained – and venerated – for doing. It is an aggressive pose that, given current developments, can be read in a much more sinister way. It touches on a far bigger question of how national institutions for the public memory of war address difficult and morally ambiguous moments in a national story. <h2>Moral and ethical ambiguity</h2> When the Canadian War Museum opened at its new site in Ottawa in 2005, its new displays included two paintings in their collection by Canadian artist <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-in-her-powerful-portraiture-military-artist-gertrude-kearns-pays/">Gertrude Kearns</a>. The paintings, Somalia without Conscience, 1996, and The Dilemma of Kyle Brown: Paradox in the Beyond, 1995, dealt with one of the most shameful episodes in Canada’s military history, known as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somalia_affair">Somalia Affair</a>. In 1992, the Canadian Airborne Regiment was deployed as peacekeepers to Somalia. In 1993, 16-year-old Shidane Arone was found hiding in the Canadian base, believed to have been stealing supplies. He was tortured, and soldiers photographed themselves with the semi-conscious boy. Master Corporal Clayton Matchee and his subordinate Private Kyle Brown <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/7x75xg/remembering-the-somalia-affair-canadas-forgotten-abu-ghraib-moment">were charged</a> with his murder and torture. Somalia without Conscience depicts Matchee posing with the beaten Arone, while The Dilemma of Kyle Brown depicts Brown symbolically holding two potential fates in his hands: a lightly coloured cube in his right hand, and a darkened cube in his left. It addresses an ethical grey area many soldiers face during active service when the hierarchy of command comes into direct conflict with conscience. Following the opening of the new Canadian War Museum, the presence of Kearns’s paintings sparked <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=nltxDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT519&lpg=PT519&dq=%E2%80%9Cwas+not+only+telling+the+stories+of+heroism+and+courage+that+most+of+them+expected+to+be+told+but+also+stories+about+failures,+disappointments,+and+human+frailty%E2%80%9D&source=bl&ots=sfQZw_2qXL&sig=ACfU3U18i4X0ERdbg0wfOKXbnOIe1-5-pA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjXw6Sdk6v_AhXGVmwGHbRwDh0Q6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=%E2%80%9Cwas%20not%20only%20telling%20the%20stories%20of%20heroism%20and%20courage%20that%20most%20of%20them%20expected%20to%20be%20told%20but%20also%20stories%20about%20failures%2C%20disappointments%2C%20and%20human%20frailty%E2%80%9D&f=false">intense debate</a>. Curator Laura Brandon received abusive emails from members of the public. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529986/original/file-20230605-23-vgma1q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> The museum copped criticism from figures such as the head of the National Council of Veterans Associations, who <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/war-museum-s-paintings-anger-veterans-group-1.546113">called</a> the paintings a “trashy, insulting tribute” and urged a boycott of the opening of the new museum. Discussing this controversy in 2007, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1354856507072860?journalCode=cona">Brandon said</a> what upset veteran communities was that “their” museum: <blockquote> was not only telling the stories of heroism and courage that most of them expected to be told but also stories about failures, disappointments, and human frailty. </blockquote> Brandon remained steadfast the museum needed to address the messy ambiguities of war and, despite pressure, kept Kearns’s paintings on display for the duration of the exhibition. <h2>The complexity of contemporary art</h2> Brandon’s curatorial decision to display Kearns’s Somalia paintings strike at the heart of what is special and important about contemporary war art in a national museum. Contemporary art presents ethical and moral complexity, grey zones and a range of perspectives. This is vital in a healthy liberal democracy. While Brandon’s choice to show Kearns’s Somalia paintings attracted criticism, the museum remained committed to telling a story that is difficult, ethically and morally complex, and uncomfortable for Canadians. To remove Zavros’ portraits from display would remove the now-untenable hero narrative that once surrounded Roberts-Smith. But doing so would also rewrite public memory by effectively erasing an important part of why and how Roberts-Smith was revered. These portraits now represent a morally complex story that needs to be addressed by our national war museum. To remove the portraits would miss a valuable opportunity to debate important questions about how we construct hero stories. So, how could these portraits still be shown in future? Zavros’ portraits were already complex works. Following Friday’s announcement, it is more important they are seen in all their additional multi-layered and problematic complexity. The portraits show us how we create the nation through the stories we tell ourselves, and how dynamic that narrative can be. The portraits present a valuable opportunity to show narratives of war – like the stories of our own lives – are never simple, consistent and coherent. The portraits should be displayed in ways that address this complexity, capturing the evolving story of Roberts-Smith in explanatory wall text. There is an opportunity here to not simply “correct” the official record, as Shoebridge suggests, but to have a deeper conversation about the role of hero narratives in diverting attention away from more important public debates about Australia’s involvements in conflicts. Maybe this could be addressed in the art the memorial commissions in future. The most compelling contemporary art works – and the most valuable museum displays in our national institutions – are those that consider our complex stories, raise important and self-reflective questions, and challenge simplistic narratives. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206934/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Image credit: Getty <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kit-messham-muir-129956">Kit Messham-Muir</a>, Professor in Art, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-should-the-australian-war-memorial-do-with-its-heroic-portraits-of-ben-roberts-smith-206934">original article</a>.

Legal

“There was so much more for her to achieve”: Selfless mum remembered for her heroic save

Mother and pioneer for the deaf community Leonie Jackson was enjoying time at the beach with her children when their day - and their lives - took a devastating turn for the worst. When Leonie’s 10-year-old son, Byron, got caught in a rip at Congo Beach, the brave woman dove into the dangerous conditions to save him. She was successful in keeping his head above the water, but the same couldn’t be said for her. The pair were brought to the shore by a surfer who was nearby, and CPR was performed on Leonie by paramedics at the scene. Tragically, they were unable to revive the 50-year-old. A memorial service was held at the beach, with her loved ones paying tribute to her remarkable life and dedicated work for the deaf community. Leonie is survived by her two children: 12-year-old Byron and 15-year-old Tobian. "It's just been shattering," Tony Abrahams told ABC. “It's just one of those events that completely upends lives and communities." According to Tony, Leonie was only in the area to celebrate her 50th birthday for a few days with her friends. “I’d never seen her happier than on the day she died,” he said. “Here is this beautiful place where we shared such a wonderful celebration. It's also the scene of the ultimate sacrifice of a mother swimming out and saving her son and keeping him afloat for several minutes that allowed him to get his breath and to be saved." Alexander Jones - Leonie’s close friend and the father of her children - had similar words to share to the AAP (through an Auslan interpreter), explaining that ““Leonie made that decision because of her love for her children. “She had to do that. There was no other choice to make.” Leonie’s heroism has since been recognised, with the brave mother being awarded a posthumous medal for her actions that fateful day. The awards are distributed each year to those who have demonstrated brave conduct, and recognise members of the community who face danger in pursuit of helping others. Leonie was one of 11 to receive a medal for her bravery, and was announced as a recipient by Governor-General David Hurley. "The courage they showed is matched by their selflessness and they deserve our respect, gratitude and recognition,” Hurley said of the recipients. “For the loved ones of those no longer with us - I hope that the posthumous acknowledgement of their bravery brings comfort. Their stories will not be forgotten.” “It’s heartwarming to know that her act is recognised but I have to say, she would have gotten many more medals if she was still here,” Alexander admitted. “There was so much more for her to achieve.” Leonie had spent years advocating for the deaf community, dedicating her life to the fight for equality in education for deaf children, even establishing Australia’s very bilingual program for deaf and hearing children alike. As Alexander explained, “Leonie was selfless her whole life.” “She was such an impressive human being. She was creative. She was full of ideas. She was a trailblazer.” Images: Facebook

Family & Pets

Kiwi firefighters receive rare Aussie honour for heroic efforts

A New Zealand firefighter has been awarded one of Australia’s special service awards for his efforts in fighting bushfires during the summer of 2019 and 2020. Phil Muldoon, Lake Ōkāreka’s chief rural fire officer, was one of 53 firefighters awarded the Australia National Emergency Medal during a recent awards ceremony. Muldoon, who worked 16-hour days fighting fires, said the honour was very humbling. “It’s not what we do it for but it is nice to be recognised, especially from the Australian Government,” Muldoon told <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/australia-bush-fires-nz-firefighter-given-rare-and-special-honour/4K7KKB2WRVEHXJKJ7IC5WBFY4I/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. He was among a 208-strong contingent of New Zealanders sent to help their Aussie neighbours, including personnel from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), the Department of Conservation, forestry company partners, and the New Zealand Defence Force. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We were proud to see 27 Department of Conservation firefighters awarded the Australia National Emergency Medal last week for their efforts fighting the devastating Australian wildfires during the 2019/2020 black summer. 🎖️<a href="https://t.co/Wh7xVdZQ8g">https://t.co/Wh7xVdZQ8g</a> <a href="https://t.co/vl8iEC9acs">pic.twitter.com/vl8iEC9acs</a> — Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) <a href="https://twitter.com/docgovtnz/status/1591974150008377344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote> The majority of those who took part received the award during recent official ceremonies hosted in New Zealand by Australian High Commissioner HE Harinder Sidhu. Muldoon received his award along with 38 firefighters from FENZ, two members of the NZ Army, eight NZ Air Force members, two from the Department of Conservation, and three from forestry company partners. Having been a firefighter for 25 years, Muldoon said fighting the bushfires was his 16th deployment and that firefighters were chosen to deploy based on their skillset. “We went to help their firefighters in Australia who had a tough season. We’re fresh feet on the ground and give them a break,” Muldoon said, adding that the contingent brought New Zealand’s “can-do” attitude with them. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A great honour to present the Australian National Emergency Medal at Ohakea <a href="https://twitter.com/NZAirForce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZAirForce</a> base, and to personally thank members of the <a href="https://twitter.com/NZDefenceForce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZDefenceForce</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FireEmergencyNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FireEmergencyNZ</a> for their service to Australia in support of the 2019-20 Australian Bushfires response. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZAirForce?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZAirForce</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Force4NZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Force4NZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/GtTUay8VY6">pic.twitter.com/GtTUay8VY6</a> — Harinder Sidhu (@AusHCNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCNZ/status/1580682019985854464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote> Earlier this month, nine firefighters from Northland received the award, including wildfire specialist Rory Renwick. After spending 14 days fighting blazes in remote Australian bush, Renwick said the gratitude expressed through the medal was just “icing on the cake”. "People stopped you on the street to shake your hand and say thank you. It's humbling and pretty amazing," he told <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-firefighters-awarded-medal-for-efforts-during-australian-bushfires/FIMYEOSD5QQGEYTVSFHIRP34WI/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. Renwick explained that New Zealand crews were often working in remote areas and tackling large fires. "We were trying to put out the edge of the fire to stop it spreading," he said. "We did anything from patrolling edges [and] dealing with small hotspots to working with aircraft and heavy machinery to slow the fire down and stop it." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I was presented with a national emergency <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/medal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#medal</a> Monday night for the 19/20 bushfires here in Australia. <a href="https://t.co/L8il9Eob7P">pic.twitter.com/L8il9Eob7P</a> — Craig Chiffers (@cchiffers) <a href="https://twitter.com/cchiffers/status/1569818214888263681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2022</a></blockquote> The award, which was approved by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, is given to those who performed significant or sustained service during “nationally-significant emergencies”, according to the Governor-General’s <a href="https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awardsnational-emergency-medal/bushfires-2019-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>. Muldoon, Renwick, and the many others recognised for their efforts during the bushfires will receive a medal with a clasp that reads, “BUSHFIRES 19-20”. Russell Wood, the national commander of FENZ, said the award had never been given to any member of the organisation before. “This is a rare and special honour that the Australian Government has extended to us,” he said. “The bushfires in Australia in 2019/20 were catastrophic and we were glad we could be there to help them. “I am immensely proud of our people, who responded to the call so selflessly and put their time and energy into fighting one of the biggest wildfire disasters of our time. “It was a dangerous environment for everyone to be in, and they showed true Kiwi spirit in their sustained efforts under challenging conditions. “As a nation, we are very proud of our fine firefighters.” Image: Fire and Emergency NZ (Facebook)

Domestic Travel

Heroic staff praised as fire devastates aged care home

A fire has ripped through an aged care home in Brisbane, leaving residents shaken and the facility destroyed. The community are praising the heroic staff at the Bayside Lodge Nursing home located in Lota who evacuated everyone, including those with mobility issues, quite quickly. Cherry Krane, a local neighbour, said she saw the “big red flames shooting out of the roof” as crews struggled to battle the fire. "Credit to these people who saved themselves and then to the firies who did an amazing job of containing that fire to stop it from spreading to these surrounding residents," she said. Thanks to smoke alarms and quick-thinking staff, all 28 residents and their carers escaped uninjured. "It's a noteworthy point of how good a job the staff did to get people with varying age, mobility issues, disabilities, out of the building," David Beutel from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said. Residents and their loved ones are still in shock after losing everything, with some being confused about what happened. "They don't understand that they can't come back home because home isn't here anymore. It breaks my heart," said Tracey Smith, who had a family member living there. Donations of clothing, bedding and other personal items are now being gathered to support the victims of the devastation. Image: Nine News

News

Shocking twist to 12-year-old’s heroic fundraising effort

A 12-year-old boy who raised over $400,000 (NZ 480,000) for those suffering in Ukraine has experienced a sudden shock - his social media accounts have been targeted by Russian hackers. Gabriel Clark’s story started when his dad, TV and film director Richard Clark, posted to Twitter asking his followers to follow his son’s woodworking account on Instagram. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Lovely twitter people - I don't know how many of you are also <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/instagram?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#instagram</a> users but I'm looking for a wee favour. I've a 12yr old who loves woodwork. He spends hours on his lathe making bowls and creating chopping boards which he's sells to save up for a mountain bike. 1/3 <a href="https://t.co/Ny60rFf1TE">pic.twitter.com/Ny60rFf1TE</a> — Richard R Clark 🇺🇦 (@rclarkie) <a href="https://twitter.com/rclarkie/status/1507415791116857349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2022</a></blockquote> By the following day, Gabriel’s followers grew from just six to over 33,000 and he had received a whopping 20,000 orders for the bowls and chopping boards he makes using his lathe. “It was a lot to take in for a wee lad of 12yrs (sic),” his dad wrote in a Twitter thread recounting the situation. After calculating that it would take him 32 years to fulfil every order, Gabriel decided to make just one bowl, called ‘Gabriel’s Bowl for Ukraine’. “We set up a Just Giving page 10 days ago for Save the Children’s Ukraine Appeal, with Gabriel setting a target of £5,000,” Richard explained. “The fundraiser would stay live until Easter when one donor would be chosen at random to win his bowl.” Within 24 hours, donations exceeded £50,000 and by April 21, nearly 14,000 people had given a total of £251,661, with an entrant named Renuka Chapman winning the special prize. But, Gabriel’s successes have been soured within just one week, with Mr Clark revealing that Russian hackers had taken down Gabriel’s Instagram account and they had lost all of his content. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ok everyone. GABRIEL REALLY NEEDS YOUR HELP. Russian hackers have taken down his <a href="https://twitter.com/instagram?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@instagram</a> account clarkie_woodwood. All posts and everything gone. We desperately need Instagram to contact us. Please help & RT! <a href="https://t.co/pWubH87cKQ">pic.twitter.com/pWubH87cKQ</a> — Richard R Clark 🇺🇦 (@rclarkie) <a href="https://twitter.com/rclarkie/status/1519957679287975940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2022</a></blockquote> Appealing for online help once again, even Ben Wallace, the UK’s Defence Secretary, called on the country’s National Cyber Security Centre to lend a hand. “@NCSC (The National Cyber Security Centre’s Twitter account) let’s see what we can do to help. What a thing to do to Gabriel!” Mr Wallace wrote. As of publication, Mr Clark confirmed that his son’s account was “half back at least”, describing it as “one less stressful day. Image: @rclarkie (Twitter)

Caring

Pro surfer Mick Fanning’s heroic act

Surfing legend Mick Fanning braved dangerous floodwaters to assist a pharmacist to open her shop and provide residents with their much-needed medication. Forty-year-old Fanning didn’t think twice when Skye Swift – one half of local pharmacy outfit Varella and Swift – put a call out on Facebook for a ride from Tweed into Murwillumbah, in northern NSW, to help hand out medicine to members of the community. Fanning jumped onto his jet ski and made his way to Swift and was met with others ready to help. “In a collective effort she arrived at her pharmacy with the assistance of two men in a tinny, several 4WDs and also on the back of world champion Mick Fanning’s jet ski,’ Swift’s brother Anthony told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-flood-update-mick-fanning-jet-ski-rescue-pharmacy-murwillumbah/133f1b3d-f560-42fc-9f42-cc098dd2655f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a>. “That’s community spirit for you.” Swift took to Facebook and thanked the local community for their help. “I made it to Varela & Swift Pharmacy thanks to the fb community. Open til 5 pm for urgent supplies,” she wrote. “There may be a wait so thanks for your patience. If your scripts are at another pharmacy, that’s no problem. We can help.” Image: Facebook

Caring

Heroic onlookers praised over death of Home and Away actress

Image: 7News Heroic onlookers who tried to save the Falkholt family after a horrific Boxing Day car crash in 2017 have been praised at the inquest into their deaths. Home and Away actor Jessica Falkholt, her sister and her parents died after another car driven by a drug-addled driver failed to negotiate a bend on a highway as the family returned to Sydney from a Christmas event on the NSW south coast in 2017. A witness described the cars as colliding with such force “they were pushed up to the air and momentarily formed a triangle”, the NSW Coroners Court was told during the inquest. Husband and wife Lars and Vivian Falkholt died in the fiery crash. Jessica and her sister Annabelle were dragged from the wreckage by passers-by but died later in hospital. Handing down her findings on Tuesday, NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said the collision had horrified the community. “The tragedy of the events was compounded by the fact that the accident occurred on Boxing Day, a day many of us look forward to celebrating with our family and friends,” she said. Given the graphic nature of the crash, Ms O’Sullivan paid special tribute to community members who attempted to free the family from the wreckage at “considerable personal risk”. “The heroic actions of many community members and off-duty medical staff is notable,” she said. “As (Vivian’s brother Paul Ponticello) noted, their actions provide him with the reassurance and knowledge that his family was not alone following the accident.” During the inquest, family members described the Falkholts as “gentle souls” who were extremely close and devoted to each other. The family was experiencing ongoing grief and an ever-present sense of loss, Ms O’Sullivan said. “The tyranny of distance compounded their loss and a heightened sense of helplessness,” she said of the Falkholt’s relatives in Sweden. The inquest heard the crash was caused by Craig Whitall, a long-time methadone program patient who had an array of medical issues and a terrible driving record dating back to 1984. A cocktail of prescription drugs was found in Mr Whitall’s system, which a forensic pharmacologist told the inquest would likely have caused “significant impairment of his cognitive and motor functions which would have resulted in impairment of his driving ability”. Given the circumstances of the collision, it was easy to overlook the fact it claimed a fifth life, Ms O’Sullivan said. “Mr Whittal may have had a troubled life and many flaws, but he was still part of a family who miss and mourn him,” she said.

News

Father’s final heroic act saves his daughter

A US man has been remembered as a hero after he died saving his daughter’s life in a plane crash. Mike Perdue was one of four people who perished after a light plane crashed near Michigan’s Beaver Island over the weekend. His daughter, 11-year-old Laney, was the sole survivor of the crash. “He cradled her in his arms,” family friend Ryan Wojan <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/world/us-dads-final-act-to-save-daughter-before-tragic-plane-crash-in-michigan-c-4579789" target="_blank">said</a>. “She doesn’t remember anything, except for her daddy squeezing her so hard. “He saved her life… he died a hero.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 270px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845703/e8911d523598f44beaaec6e097ca5f0844fb8dec.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9dbe2ff61c414b6095ac9181c66c9fba" /> Image: NBC / UpNorthLive Laney has undergone two surgeries so far and is expected to recover after suffering multiple fractures during the crash. Mr Wojan added that all of her injuries occurred on the opposite side of where her dad had been sitting in the plane. He and Mr Perdue were meeting on the island for opening day of firearm deer season, with the Perdue’s flying on the same plane he had three hours earlier. Laney had joined her dad on the way to meet a family friend for the weekend. Mr Wojan said his friend’s two passions were his family - including his wife and four kids - and his faith. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845702/61232801_1636911094768244_r.jpeg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7567644df43747dea1d81cb5863661e6" /> Image: GoFundMe “He’s taken his girls out hunting and fishing but there’s a special bond between a dad and his sons,” Mr Wojan said. “And he was very much looking forward to getting his kids involved with hunting and fishing and I feel a great weight to be a part of that for them going forward.” A <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-for-perdues?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank">fundraiser</a> started for the Perdue family to help them pay for funeral costs has received over $USD 109,000 ($AUD 149,000 or $NZD 156,000) in donations. The other victims of the crash included Kate Leese and Adam Kendall, who were travelling in the plane to take their dogs to the vet. The dogs also died in the crash. “Kate and Adam were meant for each other. They lived 20 lives in the time they knew each other. Kate was larger than life,” Kate’s sister, Amanda Leese, said. “She wanted to experience the world. She wanted to taste it. She wanted to explore it and Adam was right there with her.” The pilot was the fourth victim of the crash and remains unidentified. Investigations are being conducted to determine the cause of the crash. Image: NBC / UpNorthLive

Travel Trouble

Heroic bus driver saves woman and 4-year-old

A bus driver has been hailed a hero after his quick reaction saved a woman and her four-year-old son from the ledge of a bridge. According to surveillance footage, the woman and her child were walking along a non-pedestrian bridge in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The video then shows the mother begin to lift her son over the barrier of the bridge and place her own leg over the side. The bus driver, Zhang Zhide, pulled up to the pair and rushed out of the bus before wrapping his arms around them both and pulling them to safety. Passengers on the bus rushed to the aid of the driver as the woman continued to struggle. Speaking to reporters Guangzhou Daily about the incident, Mr Zhang, 48, said he was thankful he managed to prevent a tragedy with just seconds to spare. "When I think of it now, I'm quite scared, because the guardrail is very short. If I arrive later or if I don't have enough strength, the consequences would be unimaginable," he said. Mr Zhang said he was watching the woman carefully as he could sense something was not quite right. After passengers helped the woman to calm down, she was taken to the local police station where a relative picked up her four-year-old child. The Guangzhou Public Transport Group said Mr Zhang would receive a reward for his behaviour while on duty. This was not the first time Mr Zhang has helped someone while on duty, as he recalled once helping a pregnant woman get to a hospital. "We also maintain a high degree of vigilance at all times. We can help others and it makes me feel that this job is more meaningful," he said. The video of the surveillance footage has since been viewed more than 250 million times, with many praising Mr Zhang's efforts. Image credits: Weibo / Guangzhou Daily

Caring

Heroic mum fights off mountain lion with her bare hands

A mother in California is being hailed a hero after fighting off a dangerous mountain lion that attacked her son. The woman used her bare hands to fend off the animal after it lunged at her five-year-old son and dragged him along the front lawn of his home. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the boy was playing near his house, west of Los Angeles, when the mountain lion attacked. After the mother heard the boy's screams, her protective instincts kicked in and she rushed to the rescue. "She ran out of the house and started punching and striking the mountain lion with her bare hands and got him off her son," Department spokesman Patrick Foy told the Associated Press. "The true hero of this story is his mom because she absolutely saved her son’s life." Once the boy was free from the jaws of the mountain lion, he was immediately taken to the hospital where law enforcement were notified of the attack. Mr Foy shared that the five-year-old boy had sustained traumatic injuries to his head and torso. Authorities also confirmed that following the attack, the mountain lion has been shot and killed by a wildlife officer. The officer was sent to the scene shortly after the attack, arriving to find the mountain lion crouching in the bushes with its “ears back and hissing” at him. “Due to its behaviour and proximity to the attack, the warden believed it was likely the attacking lion and to protect public safety shot and killed it on site,” the wildlife department said in a statement Saturday. Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

“Heroic” officers and bystanders free trapped baby

Shocking footage has captured the moment police officers and bystanders lifting a car to save a trapped baby. The incident happened in the town of Yonkers in New York on Friday, when a 43-year-old driver allegedly crashed into a car then careened across the road and into the front of a local barber shop. As the car moved across the road, a woman was crossing the street with her eight-month-old daughter in her arms. The pair were hit by the car and landed on the bonnet as it crashed into the shop. Two police officers, who were nearby ordering breakfast, rushed to the scene to investigate. Once it was discovered the baby was trapped underneath the car, the officers and several bystanders worked together to lift the car and free the baby. “Luckily, two veteran officers of Yonkers’ finest just happened to be getting breakfast next door and quickly took action along with members of the community to rescue a child trapper under the vehicle and render aid to her mother,” Police Commissioner John Mueller said in a statement. “The actions taken are nothing short of heroic.” The mother and daughter were left with serious injuries but are expected to survive. The mother suffered a fractured femur and the baby had a fractured skull and third-degree burns on her back and foot, according to police. The driver, David Poncurak, was uninjured. He was charged with several offences, including second-degree vehicular assault, driving while intoxicated, and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Image: Yonkers Police Department

Travel Trouble

Heroic grandmother tackles alleged thief to the ground

A suspected thief got more than he bargained for when he allegedly tried to steal a grandmother's handbag on the Gold Coast. Incredible security video shows the gutsy grandmother kicking off her shoes, chasing and then tackling a man who had allegedly stolen her bag from a table at the Pimpana Tavern. What followed after the theft was unexpected, as the elderly woman was seen putting the robber into a headlock before proudly walking away with her bag. Speaking to Sunrise, the heroic nan said she was celebrating her birthday during the time of the incident and refused to let the alleged thief throw water on her plans. She added that she had “no idea what she was thinking” when she leapt into action and was left with cracked ribs, cuts and bruises following the altercation. Queensland Police have since tracked down the 42-year-old alleged thief and charged him. He will front court this week.

Legal

"Selfless, heroic" man saves 3-year-old from drowning

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> A father-of-two has been credited by the Leichardt Police Area Command in NSW for saving a three-year-old girl after she fell 3 metres into the water. Scott Windon was with his two daughters when he noticed 3-year-old Mia Bullimore fall into the water. “With everyone in a panic, not knowing how to reach little Mia as she started to sink into the depths of the harbour, Scott Windon sprang into action,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/LeichhardtPAC/posts/5083301921711472" target="_blank">Leichhardt Police Area Command</a> said. Scott lowered himself over the drop and onto the rocks that were covered with sharp oysters. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLeichhardtPAC%2Fposts%2F5083301921711472&width=500&show_text=true&height=803&appId" width="500" height="803" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> “He scooped little Mia before she had gone completely under the water,” police added. “He placed her under his left arm and walked over more rock-oysters, then swam 70 meters to the nearest exit point to hand Mia to the waiting arms of her parents Ian and Phoebe.” His actions were praised by the police. “Not all heroes wear capes,” Leichhardt Police said. “This incident could have easily led to yet another tragic drowning death of a child, if it were not for the quick thinking, selfless, heroic actions of Scott Windon. “His actions have not only saved little Mia’s life but has spared the horror and heartache for her family, her friends, and numerous first responders that would have had to attend to the tragic drowning of a little child.” Luckily, Mia left the encounter with a slight bump on her head while Scott was injured with three deep cuts to both his feet, cuts and lacerations to his lower legs, knees, thighs and the palm of both hands. He was treated at the scene and then transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he received stitches and underwent surgery to treat his wounds. </div> </div> </div>

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Heroic kindergarten teacher identified after horror crash

Devastated wife reveals croc attack victim's heroic final act

Heroic great-grandma saves two-year-old from collapsed ceiling

Heroic fan tackles deadly shooter at victory parade

Teen lifesaver's heroic rescue after cliff jump

Tiny chihuahua saves 90-year-old woman with heroic act

Groomsman’s heroic act in wake of bus crash tragedy

What should the Australian War Memorial do with its heroic portraits of Ben Roberts-Smith?

“There was so much more for her to achieve”: Selfless mum remembered for her heroic save

Kiwi firefighters receive rare Aussie honour for heroic efforts

Heroic staff praised as fire devastates aged care home

Shocking twist to 12-year-old’s heroic fundraising effort

Pro surfer Mick Fanning’s heroic act

Heroic onlookers praised over death of Home and Away actress

Father’s final heroic act saves his daughter

Heroic bus driver saves woman and 4-year-old

Heroic mum fights off mountain lion with her bare hands

“Heroic” officers and bystanders free trapped baby

Heroic grandmother tackles alleged thief to the ground

"Selfless, heroic" man saves 3-year-old from drowning

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