The hero police officer who fatally shot Westfield Bondi Junction with a knife after he killed six people and injured others has been nominated for the NSW Australian of the Year award.
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, 39, chased down and shot dead Joel Cauchi after he committed a murderous attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13.
The senior officer, attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Command, was near the busy shopping center when the horrific attack unfolded.
Inspector Scott entered Westfield alone and ran through the upper level of the complex before coming face to face with Cauchi, who was brandishing a 30cm knife.
Witnesses said Inspector Scott yelled at Cauchi to “leave it” before lunging at her and she fired, shooting him in the chest.
Inspector Scott’s bravery has put her in the running for the top honour, making her one of four candidates for the NSW Australian of the Year award.
“Inspector Scott demonstrated unparalleled bravery and dedication to service during a mass casualty event at a Sydney shopping centre,” the nomination read.
“Without hesitation or concern for her own safety, Inspector Scott responded with exceptional courage, not waiting for reinforcements and choosing to confront the threat head on and alone, a decision that would define her heroism.”
Police Inspector Amy Scott has been nominated for Australian of the Year in New South Wales
Inspector Scott was nominated for her “unparalleled bravery” after chasing down and shooting dead Joel Cauchi following his murderous attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13 (pictured).
‘His actions saved countless lives and showed his unwavering leadership in the face of extreme danger.
“Inspector Scott’s decisive and brave actions are an inspiration to all Australians.”
Inspector Scott received the Commissioner’s Bravery Award following her bravery in the Bondi Junction stabbing.
He also met King Charles and Queen Camilla during his six-day tour of Australia last month.
On their final day, the royal couple attended a traditional Australian barbecue in Parramatta, hosted by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and his wife Anna.
Inspector Scott was one of the “inspiring Australians” introduced to the King and Queen at the picnic.
The King had a somber meeting with Inspector Scott, who briefly told him about the ordeal.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Web, who also attended the event, said it was “appropriate” for Inspector Scott to meet the King and Queen.
“It is a privilege to be invited today among a very privileged group of people, and I look forward to meeting the King and Queen,” she said.
‘Obviously the events of April earlier this year unfolded around the world. “I think it is appropriate that the King and Queen have the opportunity to meet her.”
Inspector Scott received the Commissioner’s Bravery Award following her bravery in the Bondi Junction stabbing attack (pictured Inspector Scott receives the award from Commissioner Karen Webb)
Martha Jabour OAM, who set up the Homicide Victim Support Group in 1993 to help families and friends of homicide victims in New South Wales, has also been nominated as a New South Wales Local Hero.
Ms Jabour was nominated for her work supporting the overseas families of victims of the Bondi Junction attack.
The victims included new mother Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, mother of two, Jade Young, local artist Pikria Darchia, 55, Westfield security guard and Pakistani refugee Faraz Tahi, 30 years old, and the student and Chinese citizen Yixuan Cheng.
Inspector Scott was nominated for NSW Australia of the Year alongside journalist and author Jess Hill, advocate and youth educator Daniel Principe and Kindness Factory founder Kath Koschel.