Monbulk College Year 7 student Zanda Davidson has been recognised with the Monbulk Rotary Club’s Youth Triple Zero (000) Hero Award for his remarkable actions during a roadside emergency earlier this year.
Zanda, from Woori Yallock, was travelling with his mother along the Kallista-Emerald Road when they noticed a car had veered off the road. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, calling Triple Zero on his own phone before even stepping out of the car, retrieving GPS coordinates, and staying calm throughout the ordeal.
While his mother, Ms Davidson, began CPR on the unconscious driver, Zanda flagged down vehicles, many of which didn’t stop and directed traffic. He also checked on children in nearby cars that had pulled over and supported his mother when she nearly collapsed from exhaustion.
Senior Sergeant Cassandra Forbes of Belgrave Police first heard of Zanda’s actions during a casual meeting with the school principal.
“He mentioned Zanda had come in late one day after stopping at a car accident,” she said.
“Zanda said his mum had performed CPR and he’d called Triple Zero and provided the GPS. As we talked, I also learned about his interests, music and mountain biking and that he was saving for a bike.”
Senior Sergeant Forbes contacted the Monbulk Rotary Club, who quickly agreed to recognise Zanda’s efforts.
At a special presentation, Rotary co-president Rob Clark presented Zanda with a $100 voucher toward his mountain bike layby and a certificate recognising his exceptional bravery.
“Today, Zanda, we’re recognising your actions on the 6th of June,” Mr Clark said.
“You showed initiative, remained calm, supported your mother, helped other children, and provided vital information to emergency services. Your actions impressed all of us.”
The award citation read: “In recognition of his outstanding and exceptional response to an emergency situation during which his quick thinking and composure provided Emergency Services with incident GPS coordinates, assisted with traffic management, checked on children inside the vehicles of others who had stopped to render assistance, and supported his mother who had been performing CPR on the accident victim until Emergency Services arrived.”
Mr Clark said Zanda’s actions had inspired the wider community.
“We hear about youth crime all the time, it’s easy to forget there are so many good kids like Zanda out there. It’s important to share stories like this, not just for the community, but to inspire other young people.”
Zanda said he felt overwhelmed but proud.
“I wasn’t expecting this, but here I am,” he said.
“If you’re able to help, then stop. Even calling for help or directing traffic is something anyone can do.”
He said the experience had encouraged him to keep doing good.
“It was a good thing to do, and I got something out of it that I didn’t expect. Kindness pays.”
He’s planning to use the voucher for new shoes or put it toward his bike, which he recently finished paying off by delivering firewood.
Ms Davidson said the morning of the accident was harrowing, but Zanda took charge immediately.
“Before I even got out of the car, he was on the phone to Triple Zero,” she said.
“He stayed calm and just knew what to do. He was yelling, ‘No one’s stopping,’ so I stood in the middle of the road until someone did.”
Ms Davidson, along with bystanders Kylie Verburgt from Warburton and another woman named Casey, took turns performing CPR for about 20 minutes until emergency services arrived. CPR continued for another 40 minutes.
“I just kept saying, that’s someone’s dad, someone’s son, someone’s best friend. I didn’t want to be the one to call it. So we just kept going.”
She expressed gratitude to Kylie, who later contacted the school to ensure Zanda was acknowledged.
“I wouldn’t have thought to do that, so thank you, Kylie,” Ms Davidson said.
“And thank you to everyone who came today and supported Zanda.”
Kylie Verburgt said the incident is something she’ll never forget.
“You learn about this in first aid, but it’s so different when it’s real,” she said.
“There are little things you don’t think about until the moment hits.”
Zanda’s father, Lachlan Davidson, also attended the ceremony.
“He’s never been tested like this before,” Mr Davidson said.
“It’s not surprising he checked on the other kids, he’s always been caring. But to stay so calm under pressure, that blew me away.”
Zanda’s grandfather, Alan Franks, and his wife made the trip from Mornington to attend the ceremony with other family members.
“He’s family, of course we came. What he did was amazing, and he deserves this. He’s a special boy,” Mr Franks said.
Monbulk College’s assistant principal, Fiona McNair said they are are very proud of Zanda and the leadership skills he demonstrated in contacting emergency services.
“Connection to community is such an important aspect for our young people. We’d also like to thank and acknowledge Monbulk Rotary Club for bringing the community together to acknowledge Zanda. He is also starring in our Hilltop Music Festival – a born Rockstar,” she said.
Senior Sergeant Forbes said she has nominated Zanda for a formal Triple Zero Hero Award and is awaiting a decision.
“Recognising the good work of our youth, especially in emergency circumstances, is so important,” she said.
“We often hear about the naughty kids, but there are so many like Zanda doing the right thing. He made us all feel warm and fuzzy.”
For Ms Davidson, there’s just one thing left – to meet the man they helped save.
“We’ve tried to find him. I just want to give him a hug and tell him the angels were watching him that day,” she said.
