The College proudly congratulates current student John Kenny (BE(Hons)/BComm III) on receiving the Commendation for Brave Conduct, one of Australia’s prestigious Bravery Decorations. John is among 37 Australians recognised by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council for acts of courage and selflessness.
The awards were announced by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Moyston AC, Governor-General of Australia, in a special release timed to coincide with Wattle Day, 1 September. This marks the first time in the 50-year history of the Australian Honours System that a Bravery List has been unveiled on Wattle Day.
“I am proud to congratulate the most recent recipients of Australian Bravery Decorations,” said the Governor-General. “The golden wattle is Australia’s national floral emblem, and together with the crown, it is part of the Governor-General’s insignia. Today is a time to reflect on the qualities of resilience, courage, care, kindness, and respect, all intrinsic to the recipients.”
John Kenny’s commendation stems from a courageous act on 20 November 2019, when he intervened during a threatening incident on a bus in North Sydney. After a minor traffic collision, an aggressive individual boarded the bus and began intimidating students, including John’s 13-year-old brother. John stood up to the offender in an attempt to protect others and de-escalate the situation. He was physically assaulted, sustaining injuries to his face and eye, but his actions helped shield fellow passengers from further harm.
What began as a routine school bus ride turned into a frightening encounter when a car collided with the bus. Rather than ending with a simple exchange of details, the situation escalated into an aggressive confrontation.
John’s actions in that moment were nothing short of heroic. He didn’t respond with aggression, but with calm and courage—stepping in to de-escalate the situation and protect the younger students. His bravery was later acknowledged in court, where the Magistrate described the incident powerfully:
“This was a simple case of a car hitting a school bus that should have ended with the polite exchange of details. Instead, it escalated beyond road rage where the offender was a bully who tried to subdue children and had no right to do so. In the video we see a coward and a hero. A hero who stood up, not to confront but to calm the situation and look after others. If I was the school, or the father, or the mother I would be very proud of this young man who did what was right, standing and trying to talk to resolve the situation. I also feel for his younger brother, who was immediately threatened but wanted to help his brother that had just been assaulted.”
John will formally receive his award from Her Excellency later this year.
The College community commends John’s bravery and integrity and celebrates this national recognition of his courage. His actions exemplify the values we strive to uphold—resilience, compassion, and leadership in the face of adversity.