PRESENTATION OF THE HIGHEST AWARD OF
THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALASIA
The Clarke Medal, awarded annually to recognize the most outstanding act of bravery for 2009 has been awarded to:
Mr Syb Mundy
The award recognizes Mr Mundy's actions in going to the rescue of his cousin from being attacked by a shark at Baileys Rocks, Binalong Bay, Tas on 11 January 2009.
The 2009 Clarke Gold Medal will be presented to Mr Mundy
by
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
at
2:30pm
on
Friday 6 August 2010
Victoria Barracks Club
Petrie Terrace
Brisbane 4000
Media representatives will be welcome from 2.00pm and will be escorted by defence security.
Contact: Mr Colin Bannister (03) 9650 3233/Sue Cutler 0400 441 467
E-Mail: bravery@rhsa.org.au
Or visit our Website: www.rhsa.org.au
SYB MUNDY aged 33 years, of Coolangatta, Qld, in going to the rescue of his cousin from being attacked by a shark at Bailey's Rocks, Binalong Bay Beach, Tas on 11 January 2009.
At about 2.10pm Mr Mundy was surfing with his 13 years old cousin, Hannah at Bailey's Rocks, on surfboards, when he heard her scream and saw her being dragged under the water by a shark.
Mr Mundy paddled over to the scene and hit the shark with his surfboard and fist until the shark released its grip then went underwater and circled them as Mr Mundy pulled Hannah onto his board with the girl, on his back, clasping him around his neck. The shark returned to the attack as Mr Mundy turned his board to face the shark and watch its movements. He was then able to catch a wave into shore with the shark following.
The shark was believed to be a 4.5m. great white shark.