Twenty-three Queenslanders have received bravery awards at an official ceremony in Brisbane.

It recognises the extraordinary contributions, of ordinary citizens.

Lauren Cooney reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Queenslanders were honoured at a ceremony at Government House in Brisbane for acts of bravery across a range of situations, from rescuing families in house fires, protecting customers in an armed robbery, and saving collegues from burning trucks.

Governor Penelope Wensley: “On behalf of ordinary Australians I express our appreciation to the extraordinary members of our community that we have honoured today.”

The Governor says she’s always impressed by the modesty of people who win the bravery awards.

Many recipients of awards today were the heroes from the tragic 2011 floods, risking their lives to save others.

Mr McErlean rescued a young boy from flood waters in Toowoomba.

Warren McErlean, Award recipient: “I’m happy I was there, it’s taken me a long time to realise that if I wasn’t there young Blakey wouldn’t be here.”

All award winners received an official bravery medal but also the cheers of their proud family members looking on.

Lauren Cooney, QUT News.