29 October 2009
PRESS RELEASE
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
2008 has been awarded to:
Mrs Joanna Margaretha Lucas
The award recognizes Mrs Lucas’ actions in going to the rescue of a man from being
attacked by a shark at Middleton Beach, WA on 10 May 2008.
The 2008 Clarke Gold Medal will be presented to Mrs Lucas
by
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
at
10.00am
on
Monday 2 November 2009
at
WA Police Chapel
81 Lakeside Drive
Joondalup 6027
Media representatives will be welcome from 9.30am.
Contact:
Mr Colin Bannister (03) 9650 3233/Sue Cutler 0400 441 467
E-mail: bravery@rhsa.org.au
Or visit our Website:
THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALASIA
2008 CLARKE GOLD MEDAL
JOANNE MARGARETHA LUCAS, aged 52 years, of Big Grove, WA, in going to the
rescue of a man who had been bitten by a shark at Middleton Beach, WA on 10 May
2008.
At 7.25pm Mrs Lucas was at the surf club when she heard a man in the water some 80m
out from shore shouting “shark, shark” and that he had been bitten.
Mrs Lucas immediately swam out to the man where there was blood in the water and was
told by the man that he had been bitten on the leg. She could see a dorsal fin approaching
two other swimmers further out in the surf who were quickly making their way back to
shore.
Mrs Lucas, told the injured man to roll onto his back, took hold of him under the arms
and began swimming him back to shore, re-assuring him and ensuring that he did not
lose consciousness until they reached safety.
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