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TRANSCRIPT
Eight people have been honoured for acts of bravery on the second anniversary of a stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Shopping Centre.
Security guard Faraz Tahir was one of six people killed, after he ran toward danger to confront the attacker, Joel Cauchi.
On Monday, his family paid tribute in the shopping centre where he was stabbed.
"Today, I stand here as a nephew of Faraz Tahir, with heart full of love, pride and deep sadness. My uncle was not just a family member. He was a role model, a man of respect, honest, kindness and deep, courage. To me, he was one of the bravest person I've ever known."
For 12-year-old Musawir Bashir, the special Australian Bravery Decorations announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn confirm what he's always believed.
"He gave his life to protect innocent people, and was rewarded as the national hero, but for us, he was always a hero, long before the world recognised him. We remember him every single day. His words, his smile and his strength."
Mr Tahir was on his first shift at the Westfield mall when he was killed, after coming to Australia as a refugee from Pakistan.
His colleague Muhammad Taha, who survived a stab wound to the stomach, was also honoured for his brave response.
He told SBS Urdu the honours offer an important reminder of the role migrant workers played on that day.
"As for migrant workers, like myself, I feel I play an important role in the community. Moments like that show that we are not just workers, we are part of this society. And we stand up when it matters. I think there is growing recognition that. But there is always more that can be done."
Two Frenchmen were also honoured for their conduct.
Damien Jean Guerot and Silas Despréaux confronted the attacker and used metal bollards to try to put a stop to his rampage.
Ashlee Good sacrificed her own life by charging the attacker to protect her infant daughter, and Detective Inspector Amy Scott shot Joel Cauchi dead.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn thanked them all for their Acts of Bravery in Hazardous Circumstances.
"From different parts of Australia, and around the world, these honourees are characterised by their selfless, courageous, and determined response in unspeakable and horrific circumstances. Every one of them showed strength, and profound courage, as they placed the safety of others above their own. Their acts of bravery reflect the best of us, and remind us of the courage, compassion and care service that are present across our communities."
Two other people were commended for Acts of Bravery Worth Recognition.
Nurse Catherine Ann Molihan offered medical assistance to strangers who had been stabbed.
And Noel McLaughlin ran into the shopping centre after receiving a call from his distressed daughter, shouting to warn people that Cauchi was armed.
When Mr McLaughlin located his daughter, he found his wife Jade Young had been fatally stabbed - a tragic loss Ms Mostyn acknowledged today.
"And we continue to mourn and remember the lives lost, on that day, their families and those who love them are in our thoughts. Today, we also pay tribute to the 12 people injured for their recovery and wellbeing and all those whose lives were changed forever."
In addition to Jade Young, Ashlee Good and Faraz Tahir, three other women were killed: Yixuan Cheng, Pikria Darchia and Dawn Singleton.
A coronial inquest has found Joel Cauchi was suffering an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia on the day of the attack.
He had moved from his home state of Queensland and fallen into homelessness after arriving in NSW.
