SHANE Rattenbury and Constable Kenny Koala have presented Year 3 Evatt Primary School student Aaron Zorzi with a Minister’s Young Bravery Medal for his heroic actions that saved his mother’s life.

Eight year-old Aaron quickly dialled 000 when his mother collapsed at home and then alerted his neighbour. When asked how he knew to dial 000, Aaron said “Kenny Koala taught me”.

“It was a privilege for Constable Kenny and I to meet Aaron today and present him with the Minister’s Young Bravery Medal. I wanted to personally acknowledge the maturity and bravery Aaron displayed by taking such quick action during what would have been a very stressful time for him,” Shane said.

“Through the work of Kenny Koala, Aaron was able to make an amazing contribution to his family and the community and this is a testament to the importance of programs such as Constable Kenny Koala.

“Constable Kenny Koala has been a highly visible police member in the ACT for more than 30 years. ACT Policing’s Constable Kenny Koala program is designed to educate children between three to 12 years of age on a range of safety themes, and to encourage them to turn to police for help and advice.

“I would once again like to acknowledge Aaron, Kenny Koala and the supportive teaching community of Evatt Primary School for their dedication to the next generation of caring and responsible community members,” said Mr Rattenbury.