A NSW Police officer has received a national bravery award overnight, after he attended a public place shooting in October last year.
The Police Federation of Australia awarded Senior Constable Bikash Bharati, with the joint 2026 National Bravery Award, at a ceremony in Canberra last night (Wednesday 28 October 2026).
Senior Constable Bharati who is attached to Burwood Police Area Command was one of the first to respond to the shooting at Croydon Park on Sunday 5 October 2025. Despite coming under fire, he directed a junior colleague to safety and assisted a member of the public who had been injured. His actions displayed bravery, courage and service.
Senior Constable Bharati said receiving the National Bravery Award from the Police Federation of Australia was an honour.
“To be recognised in this way is something I never expected when I first arrived in this country 2015, from my native Nepal,” Senior Constable Bharati said in accepting the award.
“While my name may be on the award, policing is never an individual effort. The actions for which I am being recognised were only possible because of the support, training and trust of my colleagues who stand beside me every day and in particular my fellow officers that responded to the incident on the night. I would like to share this recognition with them.
“Receiving this award reminds me how fortunate I am to serve a country and community that welcomed me and gave me the opportunity to contribute.
“I am proud to wear the uniform, proud to serve alongside such dedicated men and women and grateful for this incredible honour.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said Senior Constable Bharati represents the best of policing.
“To put his own safety aside, during the dangerous events at Croydon Park on that day, is truly remarkable.
“Senior Constable Bharati’s showed exceptional bravery, and his actions embodied the oath he undertook to protect and serve.
“He exemplifies the qualities and commitment I see in our officers every day.
“I congratulate him on this very well-deserved recognition,” Commissioner Lanyon said.
Senior Constable Bharati was recognised alongside the Queensland Police Service.
