The RHSA held its annual ceremony recognising the bravery of 14 Queenslanders with medals awarded by Brisbane Mayor Graham Quirk on July 21.

Receiving the medal were Donna’s two school age daughters, Mary and Keely, who attended the ceremony with their father Peter Mabb.

“It was an emotional time for them, but also a positive experience,” RHSA secretary Sue Cutler said.

At the time of the incident, Ms Chong, her husband, two children and nephew Jandamarra were travelling in a 4WD vehicle over a causeway on the Leichhardt River on Savannah Way at Floraville, about 70km from Burketown.  

The couple decided to turn back from the causeway when they realised the depth was greater than those marked at 200mm. 

On reversing, the rapid water caused the front of the vehicle to slip off the causeway into deeper water and the car began to float away.  

Ms Cutler said all members of the family were able to get out of the car and hold onto a tree, but Ms Chong’s five-year-old nephew got washed away.

“Ms Chong swam out after him and the pair were carried over a waterfall. Ms Chong suffered head injuries but was still able to get her nephew to a rock ledge, before losing consciousness and sadly, she drowned,” Ms Cutler said.

“As a mother, Donna instinctively went to the aid of a child/children in distress and made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.  

“This award recognises her selfless act and my thoughts are with Donna’s family.  I would hope this award would provide some comfort to them.”

Mayor of Burke Shire and owner of the Floraville station, Ernie Camp said the tragedy reinforced the message that if it’s flooded, forget it.  

“Let’s not lose another community member,” he said.