A Nepali-origin NSW Police officer has received a national bravery award for his actions during a public shooting at Croydon Park in Sydney in October 2025.
Senior Constable Bikash Bharati, attached to Burwood Police Area Command, was presented with the joint 2026 National Bravery Award by the Police Federation of Australia at a ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday, October 28.
Bharati was among the first officers to respond to the shooting on October 5, 2025. Despite coming under fire, he directed a junior colleague to safety and assisted an injured member of the public.
In accepting the award, Bharati said the recognition was something he had never expected when he arrived in Australia from Nepal in 2015.
“While my name may be on the award, policing is never an individual effort.”
“The actions for which I am being recognised were only possible because of the support, training and trust of my colleagues who stand beside me every day and in particular my fellow officers that responded to the incident on the night. I would like to share this recognition with them,” he added.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also acknowledged Bharati’s courage and dedication to duty in Federal Parliament.
Bharati said he felt fortunate to serve a country and community that had welcomed him and given him the opportunity to contribute.
“I am proud to wear the uniform, proud to serve alongside such dedicated men and women and grateful for this incredible honour.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon praised Bharati’s actions, saying he had put his own safety aside during the dangerous events at Croydon Park.
“Senior Constable Bharati showed exceptional bravery, and his actions embodied the oath he undertook to protect and serve.”
He added that Bharati exemplified the qualities and commitment demonstrated by police officers every day.
Bharati received the award alongside the Queensland Police Service, which was also recognised at the ceremony.
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