Three Scout leaders and a Parks and Wildlife officer who sheltered a group of tourists stranded in snow and sub-zero temperatures at Cradle Mountain have been recognised for their bravery by Tasmania Police.
Michael Gee, Kylie Robertson, Lindsay Notley and Sam Fittkau received the Commissioner’s Commendation at a ceremony in Burnie today.
It recognises “exceptional service, bravery and dedication beyond the normal call of duty”.
In September last year, a group of four Chinese tourists got into trouble near Crater Peak. One woman died at the scene.
The three Scout leaders made sure the young Scouts in their care were sheltered and supervised, then set out to find the group.
“The conditions were some of the worst we have ever experienced,” Notley said.
“Sleet and strong wind reduced visibility. We could barely see 100 metres ahead.”
He said the walkers were huddled together on an exposed ridgeline, suffering severe hypothermia.
The leaders put up a temporary shelter, helped the group inside and gave them warm clothes and drinks.
Gee arrived on foot soon after, carrying extra first aid and shelter supplies.
He stayed with the group until police search and rescue officers and wilderness paramedics reached them.
The weather was too extreme for helicopters, so every rescuer had to walk in.
“What happened that day was a collective effort and I’m humbled to be acknowledged alongside the others who were involved,” Gee said.
“Faced with the same circumstances, I believe many people would have acted in the same way.”
Three Special Operations Group (SOG) officers were also commended for their response to an armed offender at North Motton in June 2025.
So were Constables Georgie Joseph, Tylani Opatha and Nicholas Taylor, who swam against a strong current to help rescue a woman at the mouth of the Mersey River in Devonport in April 2025.
Opatha said the commendation was an “incredible honour”.
“I recall the urgency of the situation and I knew that someone in danger really needed our help,” she said.
“Although the incident was over a year ago, it has had a lasting impact on my policing.”
At the same ceremony, Burnie officer Constable Richard Douglas received the Keith Smith Community Policing Award.
The award honours Constable Keith Smith, who was killed in the line of duty in the state’s north-west in June 2025.
Police Commissioner Donna Adams said a panel had chosen Douglas unanimously after multiple nominations from the community and from within Tasmania Police.
Police said his work coordinating the annual Tasmania Police Charity Trust Bike Ride had helped raise more than $1 million for charity since the ride began in 2007.
“His outstanding record of service, his lasting contribution to the Tasmanian community and his ability to bring people together make him a worthy recipient of the 2026 Keith Smith Community Policing Award,” Adams said.
