Mark Butler (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

Today I'd like to share a story that captures the very best of our young people—their courage, their compassion and their instinct to help others, even in the face of real danger. Earlier this year at West Beach in my electorate, a grandmother and her young grandson were swept into a powerful rip after the boy fell from the rocks. In a matter of seconds, what began as a normal afternoon turned into a life-or-death emergency. On that same beach were four remarkable teenage boys—Kai Nixon and Cruz Campbell, both just 14 years old, along with their friends Louis Kempster, 16, and Riley Kellock, 18. When they saw what was happening, they did not hesitate for a moment. Kai and Cruz paddled straight out into the rough surf to reach the young boy, while Louis and Riley worked to help the grandmother, using their boards to bring her safely back to shore. Kai later said, 'I had to stay calm, because this can't be the last moment of their lives.'

Those are remarkable words from a 14-year-old boy. What makes his actions even more extraordinary is that Kai was undergoing chemotherapy at the time. He was fighting his own battle, yet when he saw someone else in danger, he didn't think of himself, he thought only of saving others. In fact, today, 5 November 2025, is a special day for Kai. It's his final day of chemotherapy, and I know everyone here will want to join me in wishing him strength, good health and congratulations on this truly inspiring milestone.

These young men didn't wait for someone else to take charge. They didn't freeze or second-guess the situation. They drew on their training, their teamwork and their instinct for doing what is right. Because of them, that grandmother and her grandson are alive today.

Their bravery has already rightly been recognised. The boys received a ministerial award from South Australian education minister Blair Boyer. They have been nominated, quite rightly, for a Surf Life Saving award. And today I'm proud to announce that I've nominated Kai, Cruz, Louis and Riley for a bravery commendation through the Governor-General's office, an honour that I believe they richly deserve.

These young men remind us of the power of youth, training, teamwork and community spirit. Kai recently completed his Surf Rescue Certificate, and that training gave him the skills and the calm to act when it mattered most. More than that, it was his heart, courage, compassion and mateship that made the difference and saved those lives that day.

We should celebrate and support programs like Surf Life Saving, youth volunteering and first aid education, because these programs not only teach skills, they also give young people the confidence to act when it truly matters. Their bravery saved two lives. They've made their families, their surf club and our state incredibly proud.

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