Community & Business
4 September, 2025
Gilgandra's Ash Walker named in Australian Bravery Decorations for Wattle Day
Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has congratulated Gilgandra's Ashley Walker who was among those announced as Australian Bravery Decorations recipients this week.
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn this week announced 24 Australian Bravery Decorations to recognise the courage of 37 people.
Mr Chaffey said among them was Gilgandra’s Mr Walker who, alongside Donald Coombes and David Ribaux, is being recognised with a Group Bravery Citation for their actions retrieving victims of a plane crash in Mudgee, New South Wales on 14 September 2014.
“I congratulate Mr Walker for his actions to help others on that terrible day, and I thank him for his bravery,” Mr Chaffey said.
“This is the first time in the 50 years of the Australian honours system that a Bravery List has been released on Wattle Day, a day that celebrates national unity, resilience and diversity. It seems a fitting day to pay tribute to people like Mr Walker, who in a desperate moment, run to the aid of someone in trouble.
“This shows the country is proud of this Parkes electorate resident, who is also the Gilgandra Deputy Mayor, serving the Shire of Gilgandra.”
The three men assisted the two victims of the small plane crash near Mudgee airport, despite the danger to themselves, until emergency services arrived.
