A Parks officer and three Scout leaders who helped save tourists caught in extreme weather at Cradle Mountain have been recognised by Tasmania's Commissioner of Police, Donna Adams, for their courageous actions.
The four people, who braved strong wind, snow and below-zero temperatures to provide shelter and care for the stricken tourists on the Crater Peak track are recipients of the new Commissioner's Commendation.
The Commissioner's Commendation is being presented in Tasmania for the first time, in recognition of exceptional service, bravery and dedication beyond the normal call of duty, and acts which make an outstanding contribution to Tasmania Police, or the Tasmanian community.
The inaugural recipients are:
• Three members of the Tasmania Police Special Operations Group in recognition of the courage, professionalism and dedication to duty displayed while responding to an armed offender at North Motton, in June 2025.
• Michael Gee, Kylie Robertson, Lindsay Notley and Sam Fittkau, awarded in recognition of the courage and initiative in extreme weather conditions while providing lifesaving care to multiple people at Crater Peak, Cradle Mountain, in September 2025.
• Constable Georgie Joseph, Constable Tylani Opatha and Constable Nicholas Taylor, in recognition of the courage and dedication to duty demonstrated in voluntarily entering the water and swimming against the current to assist the rescue of a woman at the mouth of the Mersey River, Devonport, in April 2025.
The presentations were made in Burnie today as part of the annual Tasmania Police Western District medals and awards ceremonies.
Also today, the Keith Smith Community Policing Award was presented to Burnie Police Constable Richard Douglas, in recognition of his commitment to serving the Tasmanian community across more than 30 years, and his efforts in coordinating the annual Tasmania Police Charity Trust Bike Ride.
(See separate Tasmania Police media release)
A highlight of the Northern medals ceremony in Launceston on Monday was long-serving Sergeant Michael Maher receiving the John AG Bird Memorial Award in recognition of excellence in Forensic Services.
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Scout leader Lindsay Notley recalls a solo walker initially raised the alarm of four tourists in serious difficulty late in the afternoon, near Crater Peak.
Mr Notley and fellow Scout group leaders Kylie Robertson and Sam Fittkau ensured the young Scouts they were with that day were in safe shelter and had adequate supervision, before heading off to find the stranded tourists.
"The conditions were some of the worst we have ever experienced. Sleet and strong wind reduced visibility; we could barely see 100 metres ahead," Mr Notley said.
"We found the group huddled together on the track, on an exposed ridgeline where they were being hit with strong wind, sleet, and fine hail. We were deeply concerned for them, as they were completely exposed and suffering from severe hypothermia.
"We drew on the knowledge and skills we had gained from training provided by the Scouts Tasmania Alpine Bushwalking Training Team. We set up a temporary shelter, helped the group into it, and gave them extra warm clothes we had brought up. We then provided the walking party with warm, sweet drinks and continued to comfort them and keep them warm as best we could."
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Field Officer Michael Gee had also been alerted to concerns for the walking party.
He arrived on foot soon after the Scout leaders, carrying with him extra life-saving resources to provide critical first-aid, shelter and warmth. He stayed with the group until specialist resources of Tasmania Police Search and Rescue and Ambulance Tasmania Wilderness Paramedics could arrive.
All rescue personnel had to walk in to the site, as the weather was too extreme for helicopter resources to be deployed.
"What happened that day was a collective effort, and I'm humbled to be acknowledged alongside the others who were involved. Faced with the same circumstances, I believe many people would have acted in the same way," Mr Gee said.
Among the party of four Chinese tourists, sadly, one woman died at the scene.
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Constable Tylani Opatha, of Devonport Police Station, described her Commendation for her role in a successful river rescue as an "incredible honour".
Constable Opatha was one of three Tasmania Police officers who went into the water and swam against the strong current to rescue a woman in difficulty at the mouth of the Mersey River in April 2025.
"I recall the urgency of the situation, and I knew that someone in danger really needed our help," she said.
After the alarm had been raised, Constable Opatha and fellow Constable Georgie Joseph were first into the cold water to give assistance, followed a short time later by Constable Nicholas Taylor.
"We assessed the situation and took decisive action to enter the water … the three of us communicated with the person, while providing support to one another, until a Police rescue boat attended to take the person to safety," Constable Opatha said.
"Although the incident was over a year ago, it has had a lasting impact on my policing, and I am grateful I was in a position to assist that person, and that I can continue to make a difference in this job.
"It is definitely a reminder of the responsibility and impact that we carry in our role."
