Crime fighter wins award

Colin Girdler, the local hero who came to the aid of two young Indian men when they were attacked in Strathfield Town Square earlier this year, has been recognised with a NSW Government Community Service Award.

Girdler, a retired commercial agent in his 50s who lives locally, will be presented with his award by Strathfield MP Charles Casuscelli at a special ceremony later this month.

When contacted by the Scene, Girdler said he was pleased to win the award but was reluctant to discuss the matter further over the phone. “A lot of other people win awards,” he said.

In a 10-day period in August, this Good Samaritan responded to three separate violent street incidents – the attack on the Indian students, a man beating his girlfriend and a bystander attacked by a mentally deranged person – with no thoughts for his own safety.

Announcing the award, Casuscelli said people like Girdler played a crucial role in the life of the Strathfield community and deserved to be recognised.

“I sent a recommendation to the NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher,” Casuscelli said. “Colin is a member of the community who has been doing great things to help. People like Colin really do help out community.”

At the time Girdler told the Scene about his confrontation with 10 young men attacking the Indians.

Despite being outnumbered, Girdler waded into the middle of the brawl and managed to pull the victims out of the scrum. Police later attended the scene.

While Casuscelli said he didn’t encourage vigilantism it was important people should assist their fellow citizens when the need arose.