Nine-year-old boy who saved brother's life given bravery award

More than 50 Australians from across the country have been honoured with bravery awards, including a woman who was killed protecting her daughter in a stabbing attack, and a nine-year-old boy who saved his brother's life.

Bravery

Calyn Hoad. (SBS)

He's only nine years old, but Calyn Hoad is already a hero.

When his younger brother ran out onto a busy road, Calyn followed, pushing him out of the path of a car.

Calyn's brother escaped unharmed but Calyn was struck and suffered severe brain injuries.

That was nearly two years ago and now he's learning how to walk and talk again.

He's one of the youngest Australians ever to receive a bravey medal.

Mother Shanalee Hoad said it meant a lot.

"It's such an honour to have something to show his bravery. I mean he was a hero before it but to have something to show, it's just awesome."

Calyn was one of 77 Australians to be awarded a medal today.

Among the other recipients, 23-year-old paramedic student Jonathan Cawood.

In January last year, Jonathan and his two friends were on a kayaking holiday at Maruia Falls in New Zealand when they saw a Belgian tourist fall into a crevasse.

Immediately, the trio sprang to action and Jonathan abseiled down to the unconcious man, pulling him to safety.

He said it was instinct.

"There's not much that goes through your head at that point it's sort of just instinctive to follow your training," he said.

Shark attack heroes given awards

Three teen surfers who tried to save their stricken mate after he was fatally attacked by a three-metre tiger shark on the NSW mid-north coast have also been awarded bravery medals.

Lindsy Isaac-Davies, Shayden Schrader and Kurtis Gillan - all teenagers at the time of the attack - are among those recognised in the first round of the 2015 Australian Bravery Awards announced by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove on Monday.

Their friend, 19-year-old Zac Young, was attacked by the shark at Campbells Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, in November 2013.

All four were surfing about 200 metres off shore, when the shark struck, biting him on the legs.

The trio rushed to Zac's aid despite not knowing if the shark was still there or if it would strike again.

"Determined not to leave their friend, and as the injured boy continued to lose a lot of blood and slip into unconsciousness ... the other boys began to paddle towards the beach," the office of the Governor-General said.

"Despite being buffeted by large waves they managed to return their friend to the shore."

When they reached the beach, the men hailed down a passing motorist and contacted emergency services.

Sadly, Zac could not be revived and later died.

Mr Isaac-Davies said it was a privilege to receive the award and that it honoured his mate's memory.

"It's what he would have wanted," Mr Isaac-Davies told AAP.

"It's been difficult, but you take it step by step ... I remember his smile."

- With AAP


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