DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 021/2010
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
ACTING CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE CONGRATULATES
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley congratulated
Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC on being named Young Australian of the Year.
“Trooper Donaldson is a wonderful role model to all young Australians and all
members of the Australian Defence Force.
“He epitomises what young people can achieve through dedication and commitment
to their chosen field.
"On behalf of all the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, can I say how
proud we are of Trooper Donaldson and his dedication to the Australian Defence
Force,” said LTGEN Hurley.
Trooper Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia for his actions in the
contact that was briefly described by Major General McOwan during his Operational
Update brief in December 2008. This was the incident in which nine members of the
SAS were wounded.
Trooper Donaldson was granted an audience with the Queen in November 2009
where he described the experience as an honour and a privilege.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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