Surf lifesaving volunteer recognised in honours list

An Albany woman's bravery and contribution to her community was recognised by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove yesterday as part of this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Jo Lucas is one of 13 Australians and the only West Australian set to receive an Emergency Services Medal at Government House in September for her outstanding service to Albany Surf Life Saving Club over the past 17 years.

Mrs Lucas was surprised to learn she had made the list on Friday because she missed the confirmation letter while hiking from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste with husband Rob last week.

The humble mother-of-three said she felt undeserving of the prestigious award.

"I just feel I really need to share it with the other volunteers at the club," she said.

"We have an amazing group of volunteers here and maybe I have been here a bit longer than others, but I am no star."

The families of two men who are alive today thanks to Mrs Lucas' life-saving skills would no doubt disagree with her.

She rescued 37-year-old Jason Cull after he was attacked by a white shark at Middleton Beach in 2008, and resuscitated 21-year-old runner Jacob Bonser with another competitor after he had a heart attack next to her during the 2013 HBF Run for a Reason.

"I am just lucky I have been involved with two good rescues," she said.

The keen athlete has racked up 380 hours of volunteer patrols during her time at the club, as well as competing, coaching and fundraising.

Her award nomination describes her as "inspirational" and "held in the highest regard by the Albany community for her commitment and passion to ensuring the safety of others using the water".

Mrs Lucas, who turns 60 next week, said the medal was a pleasant but unexpected early birthday present.

"You do not ever do anything to get awards," she said.

"I feel a bit embarrassed really."

Mrs Lucas is no stranger to medals, having received Australia's second-highest honour for bravery, the Star of Courage, from then Governor-General Quentin Bryce in 2009 for rescuing Mr Cull.

Her selfless actions also earned her a Silver Medallion for an act of bravery in the surf from Surf Life Saving Australia in 2010 and the Clarke Medal from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia.