Hurstbridge Advertiser, 9 April 1937
Mr. Joseph Evans, Anzac – that speaks for itself. The spirit of Anzac, once born in the heart of Australian, years ago now, is still a living thing. It was shown last Sunday, when, without a moment’s hesitation, Mr. Joseph Evans of Greensborough went to the rescue of Betty Thomas, 16, whom he saw in extreme difficulties in deep water at the new Greensborough swimming pool. In spite of the danger to himself – he is a sufferer from the effects of gas and other war damage – Mr. Evans slithered down the steep embankment from the oval where he was standing, and dived fully clothed into the water, and swam to Betty Thomas who was on the point of exhaustion, and brought her to safety. He risked his life, though he knew well of his condition, his bad heart, and gas trouble. In recognition of his bravery, Mr. Evans will be presented with a handsome gift by residents of Greensborough. With this object, a fund has been opened by MR. A. Fahle, of the Greensborough hotel, and already a considerable sum has been received.
This story was first published in “Fine Spirit and Pluck: World War One Stories from Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea” published by Yarra Plenty Regional Library, August 2016
Photo: Plenty River at Greensborough [ca. 1920-ca. 1930] State Library Victoria
