Tom Walsh
Paul HAMER (Box Hill) (10:21): I would like to acknowledge Box Hill North resident Tom Walsh, who was recently awarded Whitehorse council’s Young Citizen of the Year award. Last New Year’s Eve 13-year-old Tom was relaxing at a beach in Venus Bay when he heard two girls calling out in distress after having been caught in a rip. Only recently qualified as a lifesaver and with just a single patrol weekend under his belt, Tom ran to the recently installed public rescue equipment station at the base of the beach walkway, pressed the emergency call button, grabbed the surf lifesaving rescue tube and swam out through the surf to bring the girls to safety. Without thought of personal risk, Tom displayed courage and bravery beyond his years to save the lives of these two young women. Tom, you are an outstanding and courageous young man and a credit to your family and the entire Box Hill community.