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AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
OTTAWA
MEDIA RELEASE
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
27 January 2010
Trooper Mark Donaldson has been named Young Australian of the Year by the National Australia Day Council.
The honour comes a year after Trooper Donaldson became the first Australian Defence Force member in almost 40 years to be awarded the Victoria Cross – Australia’s highest military honour.
Trooper Donaldson described the award as a great honour.
“Even though I have been singled out, I feel the award is a reflection of the pride Australians have for their men and women in uniform. Not many other professions or trades demand as much of its members, and the contribution they make to society is unique."
Trooper Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia for his actions when his convoy was ambushed by insurgents in Afghanistan. During the conduct of vehicle manoeuvres to extract the convoy from the engagement area, a severely wounded coalition force interpreter was inadvertently left behind.
Of his own volition and displaying complete disregard for his own safety, Trooper Donaldson moved alone, on foot, across approximately 80 metres of exposed ground to recover the wounded interpreter.
His movement, once identified by the enemy, drew intense and accurate machine gun fire from entrenched positions. Upon reaching the wounded coalition force interpreter, Trooper Donaldson picked him up and carried him back to the relative safety of the vehicles, then provided immediate first aid before returning to the fight.
Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley congratulated Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC on being named Young Australian of the Year.
“Trooper Donaldson is a wonderful role model to all young Australians and all members of the Australian Defence Force."
“He epitomises what young people can achieve through dedication and commitment to their chosen field."
"On behalf of all the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, can I say how proud we are of Trooper Donaldson and his dedication to the Australian Defence Force,” said LTGEN Hurley."