Indian-Australian truck driver Navonkar Singh will receive a Commendation for Brave Conduct from from the Governor-General of Australia for the courage he showed two years ago.
The Sydney-based truck driver has shown exemplary bravery at the McDougalls Hill Caltex service station on 6 December 2019.
Navonkar Singh had quickly shifted his truck away from the gas station when the cabin of his truck caught fire while fuelling. He told media:
“I jumped out of the truck to fill it up and then straight away I saw the truck had caught on fire. I started up the truck and tried my best to get it into the parking bay but in the meantime the fire just kept on spreading so there wasn’t a lot of time.”
Navonkar Singh re-entered the vehicle, and with smoke filling the cabin, he drove approximately
20 metres away from the fuel tanks until he was forced to exit.
He soon obtained some water and attempted to douse the flames, however the fire destroyed
the vehicle before emergency services arrived.
Navonkar Singh safely managed to escape the blaze which was later taken care of by Singleton 444 Fire and Rescue team members.
Singleton 444 Fire and Rescue team member Chris Taylor told the Singleton Argus:
“The driver did the right thing. He got out while getting fuel and noticed that the cabin was on fire so he attempted to move the truck forward for the safety of the station.”
The Commendation for Brave Conduct is conferred for an act of bravery that is worthy of recognition and is the fourth highest Australian Bravery Decoration.
Releasing the March 2022, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) observed:
“In a moment of peril, today’s recipients were selfless and brave. On behalf of all Australians, I offer congratulations and thanks. “No one sets out to be brave. No one really knows how, when presented with a dangerous situation, they will act.
The men and women that we are celebrating today acted bravely. Each of their stories is inspirational and speaks to who we all aspire to be. To recipients, wear the recognition you are receiving today with pride. We are proud of you.”
Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
Two Australian Bravery lists are announced every year.
The independent Australian Bravery Decorations Council makes recommendations to the Governor-General regarding who should be recognised and at what level of award.
