Community & Business
19 September, 2025
Young hero receives award
Ten years old Aubree Tidyman from Jondaryan has been recognised as a Young Hero of the Year at the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner’s Awards in Brisbane.
On December 1st last year, then nine-years-old Aubree was travelling with her grandfather Roland when he started experiencing chest pain and had to pull over.
Aubree quickly took action, ringing her grand-mother who then called Triple Zero (000) for assistance.
Aubree stayed calm, flagging down paramedics when they arrived and providing them with essential information to help her grandfather, in the process displaying bravery and maturity beyond her years.
Her actions and coolness under pressure would help save Roland’s life as he was able to be treated straight away when he went into full cardiac arrest upon arrival at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Toowoomba.
Aubree said, unlike her initial award in Toowoomba in December last year, this time, she was given advance warning she would be in the spotlight.
“It was exciting,” she said of the ceremony which was held at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club in Brisbane.
“It’s like a big hall and there was a ceremony.”
Aubree said her grandfather Roland has now made a full recovery.
“(He’s) back to normal,” she said.
Proud father AJ thanked the QAS for recognising Aubree.
“They went above and beyond with the medal and a certificate,” he said.
The QAS Commissioner’s Young Hero of the Year, which Aubree received is awarded to young people who have played a significant role in the chain of survival in an attempt to save the life of another and shown maturity, courage and/or leadership in a difficult or demanding situation.
Another Downs local to receive an award was QAS South-West Assistant Commissioner Peta Thompson for Excellence in Leadership.
A/C Thompson received the award for having played a pivotal role in establishing the SOAR network – Supporting Others to Achieve and Rise – a platform dedicated to empowering women within the QAS.
Her leadership and passion has helped shape the SOAR network into a powerful platform for the mentorship and professional growth of women right across the organisation, but particularly those in regional, rural and remote areas.
“A/C Thompson has consistently championed the development of women in leadership – by identifying emerging leaders, advocating for them and expanding both mentorship opportunities and career pathways,” a QAS spokesperson said.
