Running into a house in flames and carrying a severely burnt man to safety on his surfboard has earned Cooroy resident Lachlan Ashlin a Commendation for Brave Conduct (CBC).
Lachlan was only 15-years-of-age and asleep in a caravan at his parents place when at 1am on 11 March, 2021 an explosion in the house across the road threw him from his bed to the other side of the van.
“It was gnarly,” he said.
“My missus at the time thought we were getting bombed or something and started crying. I said calm down, it’s nothing like that.”
Looking outside Lachlan saw flames leaping from the house of his neighbour, Peter, a man in his fifties who he regularly chatted to when he walked his dog, Pirate.
Lachlan immediately ran to help.
“I kicked down the door. There were flames coming out the back, through the roof, the side wall was just bricks on the ground,” he said.
Hearing moans at the back of the house, Lachlan ran through the flames, found Peter and carried him out to the front gate, attributing his strength to footy training.
“I put him down. There were still gas bottles throwing flames. I ran back home and grabbed an old surfboard. I told everyone standing around watching to help me carry him across the road.
“We got over the road and another gas bottle blew up.
“It was like a dream.
“The next day I told my parents they were stunned about it.
“When I told them about the bravery award they were stoked.
“When I tell people they say it sounds like something out of a movie.
“I still think about it every now and then. For 3-4 weeks after I remembered every detail.”
Peter was taken to hospital, but sadly passed away.
The house was demolished and another in the same style built in its place.
Lachlan is one of 89 people to receive an Australian Bravery Decoration after his courageous act was recognised in the Australian Bravery list announced on Tuesday by Governor-General David Hurley.
“On behalf of all Australians I congratulate the recipients of Australian Bravery Decorations. Confronted with danger, each chose to help someone. Their bravery is commendable and their selflessness is inspirational,” the Governor-General said.
“In a moment of peril, each of the people we are recognising today decided to come to the aid of someone else – some, someone they knew, others a total stranger. Often their actions were at a cost to themselves. Tragically, two recipients lost their own lives.
“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate recipients and offer our thanks for their brave action. I encourage recipients to wear their Australian Bravery Decoration with pride.
“For the loved ones of those no longer with us – it is my hope that the posthumous acknowledgement of their bravery brings some comfort. Their stories will not be forgotten.”
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.
