Eight to be awarded for bravery in Bondi Junction stabbing

Eight Australians who stepped in to protect strangers during the deadly Bondi Junction stabbing will be recognised for their bravery. The tragedy, which killed six people and injured ten, took place exactly two years ago in a crowded Sydney shopping centre. The attacker, Joel Cauchi, was suffering a psychotic episode when he walked into the centre armed with a knife.Among those who will be recognised are a police officer who shot Cauchi, as well as two Frenchmen and a security guard who also tried to disarm him.Two victims - a mother who saved her baby in her dying moments and a security guard who was fatally stabbed on his first day shift - will receive posthumous awards.Six people - Dawn Singleton, 25; Yixuan Cheng, 27; Jade Young, 47; Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30; and Pikria Darchia, 55 - died during the attack in April 2024.Ten others were injured before New South Wales (NSW) police inspector Amy Scott shot Cauchi dead after he lunged at her with a knife. Cauchi, who was first diagnosed with schizophrenia in his teens, was unmedicated and homeless at the time of the attack. Scott will receive one of six bravery medals as part of the Australian Bravery Decorations honours list, recognising those who put themselves in danger during the tragedy."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," Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn said.