The Royal Humane Society of Australasia, along with Latrobe Council, will celebrate these extraordinary stories of bravery, with dignitaries, families and friends of the recipients and representatives of Tasmania’s emergency services agencies present.
In this 10-year anniversary of the devastating and deadly once-in-100-year flood event, members of the community who were directly impacted and those who assisted in the clean-up and recovery of the town will gather. Student representatives from local schools will also play a role on the day.
Key Highlights & Major Honours:
- The 2025 Clarke Gold Medal (Highest Honour for 2025): Awarded to First Class Constables Adam Filler, Dean Wotherspoon and Mark Johnston for undertaking multiple high-risk rescue attempts over several hours, to save an elderly couple trapped in their home. Conditions were extreme, with fast-moving, debris-filled water, heavy rainfall and limited visibility during the early hours of the morning.
- Bronze Medals: Awarded to Grant How and Michael Lynd local council workers who assisted the three Clarke Gold Medal recipients in their attempts to rescue an elderly couple from rising flood waters that had trapped them in their home adjacent to the Mersey River at Latrobe
RHSA Vice-President Mr Neil Carabine said: “The RHSA is honoured to be awarding medals for the selfless acts of heroism by both police and civilians who risked their lives in the service of their fellow Tasmanians. This includes the 2025 Clarke Gold Medal which is the highest award for heroism made by RHSA throughout the country”
Latrobe Council Mayor Peter Freshney said: “Ten years on from the devastating 2016 floods, it is both humbling and deeply moving to see these extraordinary acts of bravery formally recognised.
Their actions demonstrated remarkable courage and selflessness in the face of extremely dangerous conditions as they worked to save lives here in Latrobe.
For Latrobe Council, it is particularly special to see Grant How recognised for his role. Grant continues to work for Council and, at the time of the floods, together with Michael Lynd, played an important role in supporting the rescue effort. His actions are a reminder of the courage and commitment our people can show when their community needs them most.
These awards also remind us of the extraordinary courage, compassion and resilience demonstrated by so many people during the 2016 floods.
On behalf of Latrobe Council, I extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to each of the recipients.”
About The Royal Humane Society of Australasia
Founded in 1874, the RHSA is Australia’s oldest bravery recognition charity. For more than 150 years, it has honoured over 8,500 individuals who risked their lives to save others. The RHSA is the only bravery recognition body in Australia to also operate a Relief Fund, providing confidential financial support to injured rescuers and bereaved families. Independent of government, volunteer-governed, and endorsed by royal patronage since 1882, the Society continues to preserve Australia’s longest-running register of civilian bravery — ensuring that no act of courage is forgotten.
Nominations are open year-round. Councils, emergency services and members of the public can put forward individuals who have risked their lives to save another. Visit www.rhsa.org.au or email bravery@rhsa.org.au.