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Sea rescue hero awarded Star of Courage

Andrew DrummondAAP
Laurie Nolan will receive one of Australia's highest bravery honours, the Star of Courage.
Camera IconLaurie Nolan will receive one of Australia's highest bravery honours, the Star of Courage.

It takes a lot to unsettle Laurie Nolan.

Not even 11 hours in churning, treacherous seas on a life-saving mission to a stricken yacht could deter this brave Aussie.

"What I remember the most is the absolute pitch black. There was no moon, no lights, no points of reference. You couldn't see a thing," the 71-year-old told AAP of the January 2016 assignment.

There were seven crew on board the 32-foot Marine Rescue Port Stephens vessel that day, heading into "foul conditions" off the NSW coast to try and reach four people on board a yacht with no engine or mast.

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For his efforts, which include likely saving the lives of three colleagues, Mr Nolan will receive of one of Australia's highest bravery honours, the Star of Courage.

In waves reaching more than seven metres, the rescue vessel was knocked down on its port side, revealing the propellers beneath. As the boat righted itself, a second wave knocked crew members off their feet.

Mr Nolan then went to work, assisting three of his fellow rescuers inside the cabin.

One had suffered a gash to his head and was disoriented. Another had a dislocated shoulder. A third man was hanging over the rail, tangled in safety lines, which Mr Nolan cut and helped the man to safety.

The mission was ultimately successful, with the yacht crew later reaching shore in a raft.

"I was injury-free. Very tired. But OK," Mr Nolan said.

And the hairy experience hasn't deterred the retired sales and marketing professional-turned marine volunteer.

"It actually spurred me on," he said.

"I don't suffer a lot of emotion. I get more emotional when I've retrieved deceased people from the water, but (Marine Rescue) are very thorough with their support services."

Mr Nolan is one of two Star of Courage recipients in 2021 and among 111 people recognised in the latest Australian bravery decorations, announced overnight.

"These awards recognise the courageous actions of individuals who, in a moment of danger or peril, chose to act," Governor-General David Hurley said.

"They were brave, they did not hesitate and their actions made a difference."

The second Star of Courage recipient was British man Tom Jackson, who died from stab wounds while visiting Queensland.

In August 2016, Mr Jackson rushed to the aid of a woman who was being attacked by a man with a knife at a hostel in Home Hill, near Townsville.

The attacker subsequently stabbed Mr Jackson.

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