Eight people who displayed extraordinary courage during the deadly Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing have been formally recognised in a special Australian Bravery Decorations honours list, announced on the second anniversary of the attack.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn revealed the honours , marking two years since the rampage that left six people dead and 10 injured when attacker Joel Cauchi carried out the mass stabbing.
The eight recipients – including two posthumous awards – are being recognised for acts of selflessness, intervention, and life-saving bravery under extreme threat.
The eight honourees
Ashlee Good (posthumous) was killed while shielding and saving her nine-month-old daughter during the attack, ensuring the child’s survival despite suffering fatal injuries herself.
Faraz Tahir (posthumous), a security guard, was fatally stabbed while attempting to respond to the unfolding attack and protect members of the public.
Muhammad Taha confronted the aftermath while unarmed, repeatedly warning shoppers the attacker had a knife and later reflected that he would make the same courageous choice again.
Amy Scott shot Joel Cauchi dead less than six minutes after the attack began, ending the rampage and preventing further loss of life.
Silas Despréaux was one of two French nationals who confronted the attacker directly using bollards in an attempt to stop his advance.
Damien Guerot, alongside Despréaux, physically engaged the attacker with bollards, helping slow and disrupt the attack in its early moments.
Noel McLaughlin, husband of victim Jade Young, ran towards the danger after learning she had been stabbed, warned others of the knife, and came within metres of the attacker despite being unarmed.
Catherine Molihan forced her way out of a locked store to treat critically injured victims, including Mr Tahir, providing emergency first aid until paramedics arrived.
Official response
Governor-General Mostyn praised the group as a powerful example of courage in unimaginable circumstances. “From different parts of Australia, and around the world, these bravery honourees are characterised by their selfless, courageous, and determined response in unspeakable and horrific circumstances,” she said.
“Their acts of bravery reflect the best of us, and remind us of the valour, compassion and service that are enduring and present across our communities.”
The honours follow a coronial inquest earlier this year that made 23 recommendations and was highly critical of the attacker’s long-term psychiatric care.
For survivors, the impact of the day continues to be felt, but so too does pride in those who acted.
As survivor Muhammad Taha reflected, despite the trauma: “If I face that moment again, I would make the same choice because some things in life are bigger than the fear.”
Image: 9 News
