Yaraka Jack wins Young Hero of the Year award

THE Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) awarded 12-year-old Longreach boy, Jack Joseland, the prestigious Young Hero of the Year Award for Central Region at a ceremony in Gladstone on Wedsnesday.

Jack made a four kilometre dash for help when involved in a single vehicle accident in which his tutor was severely injured.

Sixty-five-year-old Wendy Blumson was trapped behing the steering column and could not move.

According to Assistant Commissioner of the Far North Region, Rick Stranger, Jack's brave actions saved his teacher's life.

"Jack and Wendy were on a very remote dirt road when the accident occured," Mr Stranger said.

"If it wasn't for Jack running to the nearest property to sound the alert we wouldn't have been able to get there as quickly as we did and be prepared to extricate Wendy out of the vehicle.
"Remembering Jack was also in this accident and was in shock and suffering his own injuries, he still managed to kick open the passenger door and run for help and relay what happened.
"His brave act ensured his teacher is here with us today - he is a hero."