On Monday 1 July, Mitchell (Mitch) Rosser was awarded the NSW State Award for Bravery and Heroism for saving a man's life in the flash floods that occurred in April.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward presented the award to Rosser at his house in Jamberoo, which was right where the event took place.

As Ward handed him the award, he said, “I’m very pleased to award you a premier’s commendation today. It’s a very special award and it's for special people. You did something that was quite extraordinary and our community is very grateful. So, on behalf of the government of NSW, thank you for showing bravery - for running into the face of it, rather than away from it.”

Rosser isn’t the first one in his family to receive such a prestigious award. His grandfather, Thomas Murphy, was awarded an Order of Australia in 2014, a Fairfield City Citizen of the Year in 2021 as well as a Meritorious Service Medal also in 2021.

Then there’s also Murphy’s daughter, and Rosser’s aunt, Alannah McGregor who won the Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2021.

“I was on the phone with my grandfather and he joked that this country owes him a lot,” says Rosser. “He has an award, two of his kids have awards, and now I’ve got one. ‘I bred them good’ he told me.” 

Rosser was a little reluctant to receive such a grand award, as he says he was only doing what was necessary, and Ward believes this is a testament to his character.

“He ran into danger rather than away from it, by highlighting his example it not only celebrates his extraordinary act, but it also reminds people that when these events occur you need to roll up your sleeves and help out. And he didn’t flinch. You can see today by his reticence in actually getting the award - what a beautiful and humble guy he is and that just makes him even more deserving,” says Ward.

Three months after the incident there remains no flood warnings and flood water depth indicators on the road where the incident occurred.