The attack resulted in six fatalities: Dawn Singleton (25), Jade Young (47), Ashlee Good (38), Faraz Tahir (30), Pikria Darchia (55), and Cheng Yixuan (25). Ten people were injured, and the perpetrator was Joel Cauchi, who was suffering a psychotic episode, was unmedicated, and homeless at the time. Detective Inspector Amy Louise Scott fatally shot Cauchi after he lunged at her with a knife.
Six Bravery Medals and two Commendations for Brave Conduct will be awarded, with two awards given posthumously. Specific recipients include Noel McLaughlin, who confronted Cauchi in an attempt to reach his wife and child; Silas Despréaux and Damien Jean Guerot, who will receive Bravery Medals for locating Cauchi, warning the public, and throwing bollards at him; Ashlee Good, who will receive a posthumous bravery medal for saving her baby daughter after being stabbed; and Faraz Tahir and Muhammad Taha, who will receive bravery medals, with Tahir fatally stabbed and Taha surviving. An independent Australian Bravery Decorations Council compiled the list of eight heroes.
Every one of them showed strength, and profound courage, as they placed the safety of others above their own, demonstrating ultimate care for others.
Governor General Sam Mostyn praised the recipients for showing strength and profound courage by placing others' safety above their own. Noel McLaughlin described the recognition as giving him strength and honoring everyone who stood strong that day. The specific actions of other award recipients, the names and roles of all eight recipients, the exact date of the Monday announcement, the injuries sustained by the ten injured people, and the full circumstances leading to Cauchi's psychotic episode and lack of medication remain unknown.
From different parts of Australia, and around the world, these Bravery honourees are characterised by their selfless, courageous, and determined response in unspeakable and horrific circumstances.