Heroes of Bondi Junction Westfield: Sydney’s Bravery Commended

On the second anniversary of the Westfield Bondi Junction massacre, Governor-General Sam Mostyn recognised those who displayed acts of bravery in the face of unspeakable horror.

Eight people, including two who died in the tragedy, were awarded Australian Bravery Decorations honours.

Six Bravery Medals and two Commendation for Brave Conduct were awarded.

The awards are administered by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council (ABDC).

“Best of us”

Six people died, and 12 were injured, when a mentally ill 40-year-old man, Joel Cauchi, went on a stabbing rampage in the shopping centre on April 13, 2024.

The victims were: student Yixuan Cheng, 27, security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, architect and mum Jade Young, 47, designer Pikria Darchia, 55, businesswoman Dawn Singleton, 25, and Ashlee Good, 38, who died protecting her nine-month-old daughter.

Mr Tahir and Ms Good received posthumous awards.

“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 Governor-General said.  

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

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Bravery Medal – Ashlee Good

Ashlee Good displayed “considerable bravery” during the attack.

Ms Good was shopping with her baby, Harriet, in a pram when both her and Harriet were attacked.

“Ms Good charged towards [the attacker] with both arms outstretched, pushing him in the chest and away from the pram,” read an ABDC statement.

“Ms Good charged towards [the attacker]…” Despite suffering serious injuries, she took her baby from the pram and delivered her into the safe hands of good Samaritans.

Despite suffering serious injuries, Ms Good took out her baby from the pram and delivered her into the safe hands of good Samaritans in a nearby store.

Ms Good later died from her injuries.

Bravery Medals – Faraz Tahir and Muhammad Taha

Westfield security guards Faraz Tahir and Muhammad Taha were on duty on level four when they saw people running past them, alerting them to the attack.

The pair head toward the danger and found the attacker on the centre’s airbridge over Oxford Street.

Without anything to protect themselves, they approached the man.

“Mr Tahir was walking approximately two metres in front of his colleague, when the offender launched towards Mr Tahir,” the statement read.

Mr Tahir was stabbed in the stomach. Mr Taha was also then stabbed.

Mr Tahir did not survive.

“I must say… if I face that moment again, I would make the same choice because some things in life are bigger than the fear,” Mr Taha told the ABC on April 13.

“The whole nation will be proud of all the people who stood that day and confronted that attacker,” Mr Taha said.

Commendation for Brave Conduct – Noel McLaughlin

Noel McLaughlin, the husband of victim Jade Young, was inside the shopping centre when he received a phone call from his desperate daughter telling him that Jade had been stabbed.

“Mr McLaughlin ran towards where his wife and his daughter were located, before he encountered the offender with a knife on level three,” the statement read.

“As the offender moved closer to him, Mr McLaughlin shouted repeatedly that he had a knife, which caused other people in the area to move back.

“The offender was a metre away from Mr McLaughlin when he lifted the knife and pointed it at him.

“Mr McLaughlin asked the offender what he was doing, then realising he had nothing to defend himself with, he turned and ran in the direction of where his wife and his daughter were located on level four.”

Commendation for Brave Conduct – Catherine Molihan

Randwick nurse Catherine Molihan was in a cafe on level four when screaming alerted her to the attack.

“She ran with others into the closest shop and the store worker locked the door,” the statement read.

When Mrs Molihan noticed two injured men outside the store – security guards Faraz Tahir and Muhammad Taha – she asked the manager to open the doors so she could help them.

The manager warned her that he might not be able to let her back in due to the ongoing threat outside, but the nurse insisted.

“Once the doors were open, she went to the two injured individuals and provided first aid and support,” the ABDC statement read.

“Mrs Molihan remained with the two victims, one of whom was critically injured, and worked with police officers to provide first aid while they waited for the ambulance officers.”

Bravery Medals – Silas Despréaux and Damien Guerot

French nationals Silas Despréaux and Damien Guerot, who became known as the “bollard men”, displayed “considerable bravery” during the attack.

At approximately 3.30pm, the pair entered the shopping centre and saw people running down an escalator.

When they were told a man was stabbing people, they did not flee the centre but went looking for the man.

They found him on level three.

French nationals Silas Despréaux and Damien Guerot, who became known as the “bollard men”… When they were told a man was stabbing people, they did not flee the centre but went looking for the man.

“They ran to find something to protect themselves with, locating metal bollards nearby,” the statement read.

The pair “approached the top of the escalator on level four, each armed with a bollard, while the offender was coming up,” the statement said. “Mr Despréaux threw a bollard at the offender, hitting him on the leg.

“Then [Mr Guerot] threw a bollard at the offender, hitting him on the arm. The offender did not appear to be affected so the pair ran from the centre to Oxford Street and approached a police officer.”

The police officer was Amy Scott.

Bravery Medal – Detective Inspector Amy Scott

Detective Inspector Amy Scott was on duty and driving on Bondi Road when she was notified of multiple stabbings at Westfield Bondi Junction.

When she arrived, she was informed by Mr Despréaux and Mr Guerot of the location of the attacker.

“As she reached the top she heard screaming to her right,” the statement said.

“Inspector Scott saw the armed offender about 15 to 20 metres away and yelled at him to stop. The offender then ran in the opposite direction.

“She yelled out to draw the offender’s attention, which caused him to turn around and face her.

“The offender ran at Inspector Scott while holding the knife. Inspector Scott retreated backwards and drew her firearm, discharging three rounds, two of which struck the offender. He fell to the ground in front of her.”

The attacker died as a result of his wounds. (In February, a coronial inquest, which was critical of the attacker’s long-term psychiatrist, made 23 recommendations focused on mental health reform, improved emergency response, and public safety.)

“Profound courage”

The Governor-General said the honourees showed “the ultimate care” as they put themselves in danger for others.

“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,” Ms Mostyn said.

“Every one of them showed strength and profound courage.”

Feature image: Wikimedia Commons