Inspector Amy Scott, the New South Wales police officer hailed for her bravery during the Bondi Junction stabbing attack, is now confronting a profound personal challenge. It has been confirmed she has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
A Hero's New Battle
NSW Police Legacy, the charity supporting police families, announced the devastating news on Monday. The organisation stated that Inspector Scott, a devoted wife and mother to two young boys, had recently received the diagnosis. "Beyond her dedicated service to the community, Amy is a devoted wife, a loving mother of two young boys, and has a family who depend on her," the charity said in a statement.
The announcement prompted an immediate and heartfelt outpouring of support. By lunchtime on Monday, a dedicated fundraiser organised by Police Legacy had already gathered almost $65,000 (approximately £34,000) to aid with her treatment and support her family. "This is a powerful reminder that even our strongest people are human," the charity noted, explaining the aim was to ease the financial burden during an incredibly challenging time.
Recognition for Extraordinary Bravery
Inspector Scott's name became synonymous with courage after her actions on 13 April 2024. She was the first officer to arrive at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre, where Joel Cauchi had killed six people and wounded ten others in a mass stabbing attack.
Confronting the armed assailant alone, she shot him twice after he approached her with a knife. She then attempted to perform CPR. For this act of "conspicuous merit involving exceptional bravery," she was later awarded the NSW Police Commissioner’s Valour Award.
An Outpouring of Support from Leaders
Political leaders from across the spectrum united in offering their support and praise for Inspector Scott. NSW Premier Chris Minns described her as "a genuine, bona fide Australian hero" to whom the community owes a huge debt of gratitude.
"I’m devastated to hear this news. If anyone deserves a break it is Amy and we wish her the very best, she is an absolute champion," Premier Minns said. He also noted her ongoing role as an inspiration, including to officers who responded to the Bondi beach terror attack in December 2024.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley called Scott "the epitome of the brilliance of the NSW police force," adding that the whole police family was suffering with the knowledge of her diagnosis. Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said Inspector Scott was "facing the fight of her life" and urged the community to stand with her.
A coronial inquest into the Bondi attack later heard that Cauchi had been treated for schizophrenia and was "floridly psychotic" during the incident. His victims were Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Yixuan Cheng, 27, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, and Faraz Tahir, 30.
The community now rallies behind Inspector Amy Scott once more, this time in support of her fight against a formidable illness, demonstrating the deep and enduring gratitude for her service and sacrifice.
