By Trevor Jackson
A SELFLESS act has been rewarded as Australia Day honours were handed out to a worthy Nelson recipient on Tuesday.
The community gathered at the tennis club to witness the Nelson Citizenship Award be presented to Jonathon Tuck.
Mr Tuck was honoured after he saved the life of fellow Nelson resident Graeme Walker.
Mr Walker was in his boat in the Glenelg River when a mishap saw him thrown out and struggling in the cold for around an hour.
It was the middle of August and the 77 year old was soon suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion, with water temperatures around 12 degrees.
Mr Tuck noticed Mr Walker and quickly went to his aid, himself then suffering in the cold conditions.
Mr Walker was wearing a life jacket but with warm layers of clothes found it hard to swim.
Nelson Tennis Club secretary Shirley Taunt said it was an easy decision to give the award to Mr Tuck, whose actions were courageous, both emotionally and physically.
“It could have been a real tragedy,” she said.
“Graeme nearly died but Jonathon swam out unaided and dragged him into shore.
“Thankfully it all worked out.”
Ms Taunt recalled the incident and described it as an incredible feat.
“The conditions were very cold and it was isolated,” she said.
“No one was there and it was a miracle Jonathon heard him call.
“It was just down from Simsons Landing.
“Jonathon saw the boat and recognised the boat trailer.
“He located the voice, then swam out and dragged Graeme in.
“It was a special moment because it could have been a tragedy.
“Graeme is a well-known and well-respected local who does a lot in the town here.
“I don’t think anyone argued when we talked about who should get the award.”
While reluctant to speak too much about the award, a humbled Mr Tuck said as it panned out, he just jumped in the river and instinctively did what needed to be done.
“We were walking home straight past and noticed the boat going around in circles,” he said.
“We almost walked past but then saw someone out in the water with their head back.
“I just took some clothes off and dove in.
“It was freezing.
“I can’t believe Graeme survived that long in the water – he is a tough old bloke.”
Mr Tuck said it was certainly an honour to be recognised but was a bit “shy” about the all the fuss.
“We are from a small town, a small community,” he said.
“We all look out for each other and people like Graeme do a huge amount for the community.
“I feel a bit shy for getting an award like this for 20 minutes’ work when guys like that do so much.
“It is an absolute honour.”
The award has only been running for a few short years, with the recipient decided after consultation with various community groups in the town.
The tennis club, along with the Men’s Shed host an Australia Day breakfast and now the award is handed out each year.
“It is a lovely community event,” Ms Taunt said.
“We started doing an award in Nelson a few years ago and we found it to be a worthwhile and rewarding thing.
“There are a lot of people in small country towns who stand up and do a lot of lovely things.”
