Christian Dejanovic dashed ahead of an oncoming train to rescue a young girl perilously crossing the tracks on January 24th 2012. His heroic act cost him his life, but his bravery did not go unnoticed. He was posthumously awarded the Bravery Medal by the Governor-General.
Amplifying the profound resonance of Christian’s sacrifice, his brother Daniel Dejanovic, who has been at the forefront of recent tributes to his late brother, offered heartfelt reflections. “It has been more than 12 years since my brother’s passing, yet the pain still feels fresh, as if it were yesterday. Not a day passes without thoughts of him crossing my mind,” Daniel shared. “His courage and bravery continue to serve as a source of inspiration for me, guiding me through each day.”
Every year, we gather to honor Christian and countless others who have lost their lives at level crossings. In a poignant ceremony, Victoria unveils its inaugural memorial dedicated to these individuals. Located at the entrance of St Albans Station, near the once-infamous level crossing where Christian made his ultimate sacrifice, this memorial serves as a permanent tribute to their memory.
Over the past decade, tragic incidents like Christian’s have unfolded at 50 perilous level crossings across Victoria, claiming the lives of 20 individuals. It’s a somber reminder of the dangers these crossings pose. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is determination. We are resolute in our mission to eliminate these death traps, ensuring the safety of all who travel through them.
Christian’s selfless act will forever be remembered, and his legacy will inspire us to continue our efforts until every dangerous level crossing is a thing of the past.
