Eight people who showed extraordinary courage during the 2024 Bondi Junction stabbing attack have been recognised in a special Australian Bravery Decorations honours list, announced on the second anniversary of the tragedy.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn confirmed the awards for those who risked their lives to protect others during the attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024. Six people have been awarded the Bravery Medal, while two others received Commendations for Brave Conduct. Two of the bravery awards were made posthumously.

In a statement, the Governor-General said the recipients came from different backgrounds but were united by the way they responded in horrific 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.”

Among those honoured posthumously is Ashlee Good, who was attacked while shopping with her infant daughter. Despite suffering fatal injuries, she pushed the offender away from the pram, removed her injured baby and placed her in the care of bystanders before collapsing. She later died from her wounds.

Security guard Faraz Tahir was also honoured posthumously. He was on duty at the shopping centre when he and colleague Muhammad Taha moved towards danger after hearing reports of an armed offender. Tahir was stabbed while confronting the attacker on the airbridge and later died.

Mr Taha, who was also stabbed during the confrontation, received the Bravery Medal for his actions. Despite being wounded, he broadcast over the radio that they had been stabbed and helped raise the alarm while members of the public came to assist until paramedics arrived.

French nationals Silas Despréaux and Damien Guerot were both awarded the Bravery Medal after attempting to stop the attacker with makeshift weapons. The pair armed themselves with metal bollards, threw them at the offender as he moved through the centre, warned members of the public to move away from danger, and then guided police to the attacker’s last known location. They later followed behind the police as the pursuit continued, picking up a plastic shopping trolley and a chair in an effort to help stop him.

Detective Inspector Amy Scott was also awarded the Bravery Medal for her decisive response in confronting and fatally shooting the attacker. After arriving at the scene and being briefed by bystanders, she entered the shopping centre without waiting for backup, pursued the offender through the complex, moved civilians out of harm’s way, and fired the shots that stopped the attack when he turned and charged at her with a knife.

The two Commendations for Brave Conduct were awarded to Noel McLaughlin and Catherine Molihan.

Mr McLaughlin had received a call from his daughter telling him his wife had been stabbed inside the centre. As he ran towards them, he encountered the offender and repeatedly shouted warnings that the man had a knife, helping others move away from danger. He then reached his wife and began first aid with another member of the public, but she later died.

Mrs Molihan, a nurse, had taken shelter in a nearby store when she became aware of the unfolding attack. Seeing two injured men outside, she insisted on leaving the safety of the locked shop to help them. She provided first aid and remained with the victims, working alongside police until ambulance crews arrived.

The awards have also served as a moment of remembrance for the victims, survivors and families whose lives were forever changed by the attack.

The Governor-General said,

“We also pay tribute to the 12 people injured, for their recovery and well-being, and all those whose lives were changed forever by the violence they witnessed on that terrible day.”

The Bondi Junction attack left multiple people dead, many others injured, and shocked communities across Australia. The bravery honours now formally recognise those who, in the face of terror, chose to act to protect strangers, loved ones and the wider public.

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