Life-saving efforts see agent awarded by Governor-General

A lifesaver at the Byron Bay Surf Club, Michael was recently recognised at the St John Ambulance awards ceremony held at Macquarie University.

He received the St John’s Community Outstanding Clinical Care Award in recognition of his exceptional efforts in saving a life last year, with his award presented by Governor-General Margaret Beazley.

The award recognised his exceptional response during a critical incident at Belongil Beach in April 2024.

"We were just arriving to set up for our Byron Bay surf life saving patrol and received emergency advice that an unconscious man had been pulled from the surf near the Wreck," Michael said.

"My fellow surf life saving team member Michael Berti and I rushed to the scene in an ATV with oxygen and a defibrillator.

"We performed CPR, administered oxygen and set up the defibrillator.

"The patient was not breathing at the time and had very low oxygen levels.

"We worked with a member of the public and a police constable while we waited for paramedics to arrive.

"The man commenced laboured breathing just before the paramedics arrived at which point we assisted with his evacuation from the beach."