By Marcus Uhe
Russell Irwin said he would have no hesitation at the prospect of putting himself in danger again if faced with another case of a neighbour’s home invasion.
The 43-year-old boiler maker from Cranbourne was recognised with a Bravery Medal after displaying “considerable bravery” by springing to action after hearing cries for help from over the fence of his home in February last year.
He was included in the March Australian Bravery list announced Wednesday 16 March.
“When I heard the scream, that was me thinking, ‘someone needs help,’” Mr Irwin recalled.
“I didn’t realise that there was an invasion happening.
“I just thought, ‘I’m going to take these two numbnuts on.“
After hurdling the fence, Mr Irwin was confronted by two masked men, armed with weapons, who ran towards him demanding to know where money was located.
One of the offenders struck Mr Irwin with a baseball bat, splitting his lip, before Mr Irwin grabbed hold of that invader and began dragging him away from the confrontation, using him as a shield as the second man repeatedly hit Mr Irwin with a tomahawk.
Despite bleeding heavily, Mr Irwin managed to get clear of the men, who went back inside the house and joined a third invader who was also inside.
Concerned for the safety of the residents, Mr Irwin walked towards the house to check on their welfare, but unbeknownst to him, the occupants had escaped.
As he got close, two of the armed offenders resumed their attack, forcing him to jump back over the fence, into his own home and out the front door.
He saw the offenders walking up the street before one of them turned and pointed a firearm at him and other bystanders before leaving the area.
With no background or experience in self-defence classes or martial arts, he said it was a case of ‘fight or flight’.
“I grew up with brothers and I’ve played footy, so I know how to handle myself.
“I think about (the incident) a bit. A lot of people ask me about it. I know a lot of people around Cranbourne that I played footy with who ask me about it when they see me.”
He spent five days in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries which included a fractured skull and a large number of lacerations.
The 20 stitches he received serve as a reminder of his heroic deeds every time he scratches his head, and he has suffered sporadic episodes of short-term memory loss since the incident.
He thanked his family, particularly his wife, whose nursing experiencing aided him with his recovery.
“It’s surreal,” Mr Irwin said of receiving the award.
“I don’t think I deserve it, but it’s nice.
“It’s something for kids to look up to.”
The victims of the invasion have since moved house, however, they expressed their gratitude with the delivery of alcohol, marshmallows and a card, thanking Mr Irwin for ‘saving my life’ along with a big hug for their hero.
The Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
The Bravery Medal is awarded only for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Governor-General David Hurley congratulated all the award recipients on Wednesday.
“No one sets out to be brave,” the Governor-General said.
“No one really knows how, when presented with a dangerous situation, they will act.
“In a moment of peril, today’s recipients were selfless and brave.
“Each of their stories is inspirational and speaks to who we all aspire to be.
To recipients, wear the recognition you are receiving today with pride.
“Each found themselves in a perilous situation; there was a threat, they or fellow citizens were in danger and, in that instant, they chose to help.”
