Strong support for petition

AN ONLINE petition calling for 2011 flood victim Jordan Rice to receive a Cross of Valour has garnered more than 50,000 signatures.

Jordan’s last words were “take my brother first” before he was swept to his death in the Toowoomba city-centre. The man who saved Jordan’s little brother Blake, Warren McErlean, was surprised by how rapidly the petition gained traction.

“I knew it would get momentum, and Jordan has a big following overseas, but it surprised me just how quickly the numbers are picking up,” he said.

“I’ve had The Today Show (Channel 7) and radio chasing me for interviews.”

Minister Tony Abbott, before taking up Prime Ministership, called for Jordan to be considered for a Cross of Valour in the wake of the floods.

Calls have also been made to erect a statue in his honour in Toowoomba.

So far, nothing has come of the initial thrust to have Jordan’s bravery officially acknowledged — something his father John Tyson is trying to put right through the petition.

Mr McErlean received a Bravery Medal in the Governor-General’s Australian Bravery Awards. He said Jordan deserved recognition. “Ultimately it’s not Tony Abbott’s decision, but it would be nice if he could put something forward,” he said.

“Anything to honour Jordan would be fantastic.”

Mr McErlean and the Rice family have remained close friends since their lives became intertwined in the 2011 tragedy.

“We will always be in touch,” Mr McErlean said.

“Blakey and I went fishing up at the coast about a month ago.”