Catherine Molihan, Bravery Award.

For some years now, Catherine is responsible for health for theProvince Care and Assisted Living, Chair of Senior Living Advisory Committee. Photo, Catherine at the 2023 Chapter.

Eight Australians who stepped in to protect strangers during the deadly Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing (April 2024) recognised for their bravery, six bravery medals as part of the Australian Bravery Decorations honours list, recognising those who put themselves in danger during the tragedy.

"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," Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn said. "Every one of them showed strength, and profound courage, as they placed the safety of others above their own, demonstrating ultimate care for others."

Catherine Molihan, an experienced nurse, had sought refuge in a shop but left it to help the two security guards who had been stabbed. "I held just [Tahir's] head and patted his beard and I told him he would be OK”. She was in a cafe when the sound of screams alerted her to the incident. Ms Molihan ran into a nearby shop with others and the door was locked, but when she saw Mr Taha and Mr Tahir, she urged the shop manager to open the door so she could help them. The manager told her that he didn’t know if he could let her back in, but she insisted he open the doors. 

“”A nurse is just born to help and give and be kind to others. It was good that I was on the scene, because it saved someone else from seeing what I saw.”