Inspector Amy Scott, National Hero, Faces Aggressive Cancer Battle
A groundswell of support has surged for NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, the officer widely hailed for her bravery in ending the deadly Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing attack in April 2024, after she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Within a single day, the fundraising appeal launched on her behalf surpassed $200,000, reflecting overwhelming public admiration and solidarity for her courage and service.
The appeal, coordinated by Police Legacy NSW — the charity arm of the New South Wales Police — was established to help ease the financial burdens facing Scott and her family as she undergoes treatment. Scott, a mother of two young boys and a respected senior officer at the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, has been described not only as a hero of that tragic day but as “selfless, compassionate and kind” by colleagues and supporters alike.
The Hero of Bondi Junction
Inspector Scott’s actions on 13 April 2024 are seared into public memory. When Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing spree inside the busy Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre — killing six people and injuring more than a dozen others — Scott was among the first officers on scene. Pursuing the attacker through the crowded centre, she confronted him as he lunged with a knife and fatally shot him, stopping further carnage.
For her bravery, Scott was awarded the Commissioner’s Valour Award, one of the highest honours in policing, and praised by political leaders and everyday Australians alike. NSW Premier Chris Minns called her “a genuine, bona fide Australian hero,” while Police Minister Yasmin Catley said she epitomises “the brilliance of the NSW Police Force.”
Fundraiser Surpasses Expectations in Record Time
The fundraising campaign, framed as the “Inspector Amy Scott Appeal,” was launched with an initial goal of $25,000 — a target that was quickly eclipsed as donations poured in from across the state and the nation. By the evening following its launch, contributions had soared past $200,000, with hundreds of individual donors and sizable contributions from community groups and police personnel.
The speed and generosity of the response underscore the deep respect held for Scott, not only as an officer who confronted danger but also as a colleague, mentor and community figure. Police Legacy NSW emphasised that the funds are intended to support Scott through treatment and recovery, and to lessen the financial strain on her family as they navigate what is expected to be a long and challenging journey.
Colleague and Community Support
Colleagues from across the NSW Police Force have rallied in support, praising Scott’s resilience and character. Many noted that, even amid her own health challenges, she has continued to support other officers who were affected by subsequent traumatic events, including the Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon highlighted that Scott continues to show remarkable leadership and compassion, often offering comfort and aid to others even as she faces her own uphill battle.
Messages and tributes have also flowed in from the broader community, with many expressing gratitude for her service and heartfelt encouragement as she begins treatment. Supporters described the fundraising success as both a practical help to her family and a symbolic gesture of national appreciation.
Facing the Road Ahead
Medical professionals and supporters alike have emphasised that Scott’s diagnosis — rare and aggressive — will require intensive treatment and care. While details of her prognosis have not been publicly disclosed to respect her privacy, the community response reflects a collective hope that the financial support and emotional encouragement will offer meaningful relief.
Beyond her individual struggle, the campaign has highlighted broader conversations about how communities support first responders facing severe health and personal challenges, especially those whose service has involved confronting violence and trauma.
A Reminder of Courage and Community Spirit
Inspector Amy Scott’s story is one of sustained courage and selflessness — from her actions at Bondi Junction to the dignified way she continues to engage with colleagues and community even in a moment of personal difficulty. The massive outpouring of support in a short period not only speaks to the admiration Australians have for her, but also reflects how deeply her actions have resonated across the country.
As Scott and her family embark on this difficult chapter, the rallying of thousands of individuals through financial support and heartfelt messages serves as a testament to her impact — and a reminder that even those we call heroes sometimes need support of their own.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
