NSW Farmers Association grains committee chairman and Riverina farmer Mark Hoskinson has received a Commendation for Brave Conduct.
On December 21, 2007 Mr Hoskinson rescued six people stranded in rising floodwater at Kikoira near Ungarie, NSW.
In torrential rain and failing light, Mr Hoskinson rescued a mother and her three young children who were stranded in their car in a causeway.
High floodwater and strong currents caused water to flow over and throughhis four wheel drive vehicle and push it sideways.
Mr Hoskinson continued to drive on, reaching the neighbour’s property where he swapped his utility for a tractor.
The floodwaters intensified to the extent that the tractor was also pushed sideways with water penetrating the cabin.
Initially Mr Hoskinson was unable to locate the stranded vehicle or raise a response from its occupants on the telephone.
He persisted with the search in the dangerous conditions until the vehicle was found.
The family was still inside although water was lapping the windows and had seeped in under the doors.
Aligning the tractor with the car, Mr Hoskinson got the children and their mother out of the vehicle through the windows and into the cabin of the tractor and drove them to the safety of a nearby property.
Mr Hoskinson then received another call advising that two men who were also stranded in the floodwater which pushed their ute up against a tree.
He again drove the tractor and found them trapped with water up their windows. He placed a winch cable on their stranded vehicle and pulled them to safety.
A total of 44 people will receive the Commendation for Brave Conduct decoration but no one has been awarded the top honour, the Cross of Valour.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce has labelled them role models, saying it is a privilege to have them in our society.
"It is an honour to be able to thank them publicly for their brave actions," she said.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Australian honours system.
