6 November 2026
Local heroes recognised as BHP partnership strengthens lifesaving education
Everyday heroes from across the Pilbara were recognised for their courage, quick thinking and lifesaving actions at the 2026 Royal Life Saving WA Pilbara Bravery Awards.
Held at the Civic Gardens Centre in Port Hedland on Wednesday 4 November, the ceremony honoured individuals involved in four emergencies, including water rescues, medical emergencies and a serious road accident.
The ceremony also marked the renewal of BHP's role as Royal Life Saving WA's Principal Community Partner, with a further $2.85 million committed over three years to support swimming, water safety education and local employment pathways across the Pilbara and Goldfields.
BHP Manager Community WA Rachel Donkin said the recipients demonstrated the value of lifesaving skills, while welcoming the continuation of BHP's partnership with Royal Life Saving WA.
“Each award demonstrates the difference one person can make when they have the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency,” Ms Donkin said.
“Together we will continue to deliver swimming, water safety and lifesaving programs that benefit communities across the Pilbara and Goldfields.”
Through the renewed partnership, programs including Swim and Survive, Bronze Rescue, Talent Pool, Spirit Carnivals and the Cool Pool initiative will continue to benefit communities across the Pilbara and Goldfields, alongside pathways into training and employment in the aquatic industry.
Royal Life Saving WA CEO Peter Leaversuch said the Bravery Awards highlighted why investing in lifesaving skills across the community was so important.
"Emergencies can happen anywhere, often without warning, and the actions people take in those first few moments can make an enormous difference," Mr Leaversuch said.
"The people we're recognising have demonstrated courage, quick thinking and a willingness to help others. Their stories show why it's so important that people have the skills and confidence to respond when someone needs assistance."
The renewed partnership also supported the Pilbara Spirit Swimming and Lifesaving Carnival at South Hedland Aquatic Centre on Thursday 5 November, bringing together students from across the region to celebrate their swimming and lifesaving skills.
The Royal Life Saving WA Pilbara Bravery Awards are proudly supported by BHP, Principal Community Partner.
This year's award recipients included:
- Skyla Knight (Gold Medallion)
After witnessing a woman being struck by a vehicle in Broome, Skyla provided first aid, placed her in the recovery position and called Triple Zero. She remained with the injured woman until emergency services arrived, while also keeping nearby students safe and helping manage traffic. - Brant Shelton and Steele McCreevy (Gold Medallion) and Blake Vrtacic and Joel Vannunspeet (Bravery Commendation)
Brant rescued a young girl experiencing a serious medical emergency at South Hedland Aquatic Centre, while Blake and Joel coordinated assistance and maintained pool supervision. Steele provided oxygen and reassurance before the girl was taken to hospital and discharged several hours later. - Kimberly Stubbs and Vedmund Acheampong (Gold Medallion)
Vedmund entered the water to rescue a distressed patron at South Hedland Aquatic Centre but was pulled beneath the surface as the swimmer panicked. Kimberly entered the water to assist, and together they brought the patron safely to the pool edge and provided oxygen until he recovered. - Blake Vrtacic and Stephen Waterman (Gold Medallion) and Kellie Hutchings and Kate Sanders (Gold Medallion)
Stephen and Blake rescued two distressed women at Gratwick Aquatic Centre, using a spinal board to assist one who was experiencing significant pain. Kellie and Kate helped manage the scene and provided reassurance, while Stephen and Blake administered oxygen and arranged urgent medical assistance. The injured woman made a full recovery.
