‘She had our backs – we got hers’: Hero Bondi Westfield cop diagnosed with cancer

The heroic NSW Police officer who confronted and killed a knife-wielding attacker who took six lives and injured a dozen more in Bondi Junction Westfield has been diagnosed with cancer, spurring a wave of support and donations from Australians.

Inspector Amy Scott ran towards danger as Joel Cauchi stabbed shoppers with a military-style knife inside the eastern suburbs shopping centre on April 13, 2024.

Scott was alone when she faced the attacker minutes after his rampage began. She raised her pistol and, as Cauchi charged towards her, shot him dead – preventing the further loss of life, including her own.

NSW Police Legacy on Monday announced that Scott had been diagnosed with a “rare and aggressive form of breast cancer” and launched an appeal to ease the financial burden on her family.

“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 and walk this journey beside her every day,” Legacy wrote online.

“Amy is widely known as selfless, compassionate, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet.

“She is every bit the remarkable human you would think. She is fiercely independent and the first to champion others.”

Legacy’s fundraiser said Scott faced a “long, uphill battle” against the insidious disease.

“This is a powerful reminder that even our strongest people are human, and this fundraiser has been created to ease the financial burden for Amy and her family during this incredibly challenging time.”

Legacy has so far raised more than $190,000.

Hundreds of messages of support flooded in on Monday, along with the donations, many thanking Scott for her service as an officer.

“She showed a heap of courage that day. She had our backs – we got hers,” Shane Brownlee wrote.

“Amy you have been so strong and brave in choosing a career with the police and then especially with your actions at Bondi shopping centre that you will get through this. Love and prayers are with you,” Pam Halcrow wrote.

One donor gave $7500 without even leaving their name.

Many donations came from other police, including from interstate forces.

“From one of your blue family xx,” one wrote.

Survivors of breast cancer also encouraged Scott with hundreds of messages on social media.

Scott was given a Commissioner’s Valour Award “for displaying exceptional bravery in a life-threatening situation” at a police graduation ceremony in June 2024 by then-commissioner Karen Webb.

Webb’s successor, Commissioner Mal Lanyon, on Monday said that Scott was “surrounded by the unwavering love and support of the entire NSW Police Force”.

“I also know that the broader community is holding Amy and her family in their thoughts and extend their heartfelt support during this time,” 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 had quietly taken a leave of absence after the inquest into the Bondi Junction stabbing in the middle of 2025.

She had told the inquest she had run into the shopping centre, resigned to her belief that she was going to die.

“Whilst I was the person who faced Joel, those same officers [went in too] … I just want to acknowledge their courage and bravery,” Scott told the inquest.

“As tragic as that day was, it restored my faith in humanity.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday said that Scott “is a genuine, bona fide Australian hero”.

“[She is] someone we owe a huge debt of gratitude to, not just because of her heroic actions in Bondi Junction of a couple of years ago, but she has been an inspiration to the exact same officers that attended the terrorism event on the 14th of December,” Minns said at a press conference on Monday.

“She is so important for NSW Police and our community. I’m devastated to hear this news. If anyone deserves a break it’s Amy, and we just wish her the very best, she is an absolute champion.”

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley described Scott as “the epitome of the brilliance of the NSW Police Force”.

“The whole police family are suffering at the moment with the knowledge of her diagnosis. We wish her and her family well.”

Catley said that Scott was the first person to call the local commander to offer assistance on the night of the Bondi Beach terror attack in December.

“She’s always the first one to put up her hand, to be there to support her colleagues, to support the community, and to be the best that she can be as a police officer,” Catley said. “We wish her all the best, and she will have our full support.”

Deputy Commissioner announces retirement

It came as Catley paid tribute to Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, who announced his retirement on Monday after more than four decades of service.

Thurtell joined the force in 1985, first posted to Redfern Police Station.

He was awarded the NSW Police Commissioner’s Commendation for Service after he co-led the largest policing operation ever undertaken in regional NSW in the search for wanted murderer Malcolm Naden, who was arrested in 2012 after nearly seven years on the run.

Thurtell also led the COVID-19 hotel quarantine and repatriation operation in 2020.

“He will leave the NSW Police force with his head held high,” Catley said.

“He has an impeccable police record, and he will be recognised as he exits … as one of the best police officers we have seen here in NSW.”

Thurtell will be formally farewelled at a ceremony on February 13.

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