Inspector Amy Scott, the New South Wales police officer who stopped the 2024 Bondi Junction stabbing attack, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, prompting an outpouring of public and institutional support across Australia.
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who stopped the Bondi Junction stabbing attack in April 2024, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. (Source: ABC)
A fundraising campaign launched by NSW Police Legacy surpassed 230000 dollars within its first day, highlighting the widespread respect and gratitude held for the officer whose actions saved lives during one of the country’s deadliest retail centre attacks.
Scott confronted and fatally shot the attacker, Joel Cauchi, on 13 April 2024, after he killed six people and injured more than ten inside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping complex. She was the first officer to arrive at the scene and acted alone, placing herself directly in danger to stop the assault.
She was later awarded the NSW Police Commissioner’s Valour Award for her bravery.
Rare and Aggressive Diagnosis Confirmed
NSW Police Legacy confirmed on Monday that Scott had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer and has been receiving treatment for several months.
The organisation described her as a devoted wife and mother of two young boys, noting that the fundraiser was launched to help reduce the financial strain on her family during her treatment.
“Amy is widely known as selfless, compassionate, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet,” the charity said in a statement. “She is fiercely independent and always the first to champion others.”
By Monday evening, donations had exceeded 230000 dollars, far above the initial target, with thousands of contributors leaving messages of encouragement.
Police Leadership Offers Full Support
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed Scott had been privately managing her diagnosis while continuing to support her colleagues.
“We want her to know she is surrounded by the unwavering love and support of the entire NSW Police Force,” Lanyon said.
“Despite everything Amy is facing, she continues to show the remarkable person that she is by going out of her way to support her workmates, regularly coming into the station to offer comfort and assistance to those impacted by the recent Bondi terror attack.”
Scott has requested privacy as she continues treatment.
Premier and National Leaders Pay Tribute
NSW Premier Chris Minns described Scott as “a genuine, bona fide Australian hero” and said he was devastated by the news.
“If anyone deserves a break, it’s Amy,” Minns said. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to her, not just for what she did at Bondi Junction, but for the way she continues to inspire the same officers who later faced the Bondi Beach terrorism attack in December.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley echoed those remarks, saying the entire NSW police community was deeply affected by the diagnosis.
“The whole police family is suffering at the moment with the knowledge of what she is going through,” Catley said.
Opposition leader Kellie Sloane said Scott was “facing the fight of her life” and that the community now had an opportunity to support someone who had spent her career protecting others.
Remembering the Bondi Junction Attack
The Bondi Junction attack in April 2024 left six people dead, Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Yixuan Cheng, Pikria Darchia, Dawn Singleton and Faraz Tahir, and more than a dozen injured.
Police at Westfield Bondi Junction following the April 2024 stabbing attack that left six people dead. (Source: ABC News)
A coronial inquest later heard that the attacker, Joel Cauchi, had been treated for schizophrenia and was in a floridly psychotic state at the time of the attack.
Scott pursued Cauchi through the shopping centre and shot him when he charged at her with a knife. She then attempted to provide first aid.
Her actions were later praised during the inquest, with Cauchi’s family acknowledging that she was only doing her job to protect others.
Community Response Reflects National Gratitude
The scale and speed of the fundraising response has been viewed by police leaders and charities as a reflection of Scott’s impact both within the force and the broader community.
Police Association of NSW acting president Ian Allwood said Scott had touched the lives of many long before the Bondi Junction incident.
“Her devotion to policing is only matched by her devotion to her family,” he said.
NSW Police Legacy stated that while Scott is being supported by family, friends and colleagues, she faces a long and difficult path ahead.
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Final Thoughts
Amy Scott’s cancer diagnosis has transformed a national hero’s story into one of personal resilience and community solidarity. From stopping a mass killing in one of Sydney’s busiest shopping centres to now facing a rare and aggressive illness, Scott remains a symbol of courage under pressure.
As donations continue to rise and messages of support pour in from across Australia, the response reflects a country standing behind someone who once stood alone to protect others.
FAQs
- Who is Amy Scott?
Amy Scott is a NSW Police Inspector who became nationally known after stopping the Bondi Junction stabbing attack in April 2024.
- What happened at Bondi Junction in 2024?
Six people were killed, and more than ten were injured when Joel Cauchi carried out a mass stabbing inside Westfield Bondi Junction before being stopped by police.
- How did Amy Scott stop the Bondi attacker?
She was the first officer on scene and shot Joel Cauchi when he charged at her with a knife, ending the attack.
- What award did Amy Scott receive?
She received the NSW Police Commissioner’s Valour Award for exceptional bravery.
- What cancer has Amy Scott been diagnosed with?
She has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
- How long has Amy Scott been fighting cancer?
NSW Police confirmed she has been battling the disease for several months.
- Is Amy Scott still working?
She has continued visiting her command area to support colleagues while undergoing treatment.
- Why is money being raised for Amy Scott?
NSW Police Legacy launched a fundraiser to help support her and her family during cancer treatment.
- How much money has been raised so far?
Donations passed 230000 dollars within the first day.
- What is NSW Police Legacy?
It is a charity that supports NSW police officers and their families during illness or hardship.
- What did NSW leaders say about Amy Scott?
Premier Chris Minns called her a bona fide Australian hero, while Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon pledged full support from the force.
