Gordon Brock from Newee Creek was awarded the Bravery Medal for his actions that saved a woman’s life in June 2008.

The incident occurred one night during a severe storm when Mr Brock noticed that a car had been swept into a nearby creek.

“Upon hearing a woman calling for help and noticing her hand poking through the window I asked a passer-by to call police while I swam out to the vehicle,” Mr Brock said.

Mr Brock hung on to the back of the vehicle because the front of the car was completely submerged before making his way to the driver’s door to rescue the driver.

After reassuring the driver that she would be safe, Mr Brock told the woman to climb out through the window and on to the roof.

“As the victim jumped on to my shoulders I lost my grip and went under the water,” Mr Brock said.

“The victim panicked but I was able to grab on to a mudguard for leverage and edged my way around and away from the vehicle, bringing the woman back to the safety of dry ground.”

Her Excellency Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Quentin Bryce approved the recipients of Australian Bravery Decorations this year, marking the 35th anniversary of the Australian honours system.

“Since its establishment, the Australian honours system has grown in prestige to represent the highest level of recognition that can be accorded for attainment of outstanding achievement and service in national life,” Ms Bryce said.

There were four levels of bravery awards recognising the actions of individuals and a separate group award (established in 1990) to recognise acts of bravery by a number of persons working in concert.

Since 1975, including the awards announced this week, there have been five awards of the Cross of Valour; 140 awards of the Star of Courage; 1008 awards of the Bravery Medal; 1548 Commendations for Brave Conduct and 66 awards of the Group Bravery Citation.