FOR more than 18 months, there have been members of the Wedderburn community hoping their local heroes would be recognised for actions on the January 2024 evening as the region was in the middle of its second major flood in just over a year.
These people had seen the unselfish actions first-hand -  a man trapped, action needed to save a life and taken.
The locals did not see themselves as heroes in the hours afterwards and the months since. They simply did what country people do and sprung into action.
Late last year there was a local furore when the State Emergency Service’s Marong unit was presented with a national award for rescuing the man. 
Following intervention from federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, recognition of the Wedderburn heroes was published on the  Australian Search and Rescue Awards website.
Local residents still hoped that their heroes would receive some token of recognition.
Last Wednesday’s presentation of Victoria Police certificates of regional commendation finally, and officially, honours acts of bravery on an extraordinary evening by locals who see themselves as just ordinary people.
While the presentation ceremony was a private affair, the six local heroes would have stood there knowing the community was united in loud applause for their deserved honour.
Congratulations to all six and thanks from a community that values and respects your efforts.
- CHRIS EARL