Bali heroes win bravery medals

The selfless acts of 17 of Victoria’s bravest Bali heroes were officially honoured at Government House Friday (12/12). Smiles and laughter outweighed the tears at the sombre but triumphant ceremony as the group’s brave deeds were recognised and awarded.

The top award went to Natalie Goold, 24, from Croydon South, who climbed back into the Paddy’s Bar inferno to rescue a high school mate Nicole McLean, who lost her arm in the explosion. Ms Goold, who suffered burns to her right arm and hand, was awarded the Star of Courage for her conspicuous bravery. “I know that there were a lot of other Australians that were doing very great things on the night as well, so I don’t feel alone in that, but I do feel very proud,” she said.
“We all did as well as we could in a very, very trying situation, and we should all be proud. “I’m just lucky I’ve still got Nicole here with me.”
Ms McLean, who sat with her friend’s parents and boyfriend at the ceremony, cried when asked to describe her friend. “If it wasn’t for Nat I wouldn’t be here, so she’s played a big part in everything,” she said.
Lynley Huguenin, who rescued a friend from a pile of rubble despite suffering shrapnel wounds and burns, was awarded the Bravery Medal. Expressing the thoughts of all those honoured yesterday, she said everyone who helped that night deserved her award. “It’s a huge honour, but at the same time it humbles you, because you don’t do it thinking to find a reward out of it,” she said. (BTN/Herald Sun)