Arabic version: نصب تذكاري في وانغاراتا يكرّم الشرطيين اللذين قُتلا في بوربونكا

According to ABC News, hundreds of police colleagues, dignitaries and family members gathered in Wangaratta for the first of two memorial services honouring Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. The officers were shot and killed during a siege at Porepunkah in Victoria’s north-east in August 2025.

The Wangaratta service, held before the first anniversary of the shooting, included personal reflections from police colleagues, the unveiling of a memorial garden and the laying of wreaths. A plaque commemorating the officers was installed between two 3-tonne obelisks sourced from Barjarg. The service concluded with a video of police monuments across the country lit in blue, the Police Ode, a minute’s silence and a flyover by the Victoria Police Air Wing.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush described the outcome of the mission to “hold an alleged paedophile to account” as “an absolute tragedy” and “one of the most tragic days in Victoria Police history”. He said Victoria Police would never forget colleagues who made “that ultimate sacrifice”. Thompson’s friend and colleague Paul Campbell said the memorial was fitting, describing it as “real, it’s natural and it’s strong, just like Thommo.”

Thompson’s partner, Sergeant Lisa Thompson, and his sisters Lois and Diane attended, along with de Waart-Hottart’s aunt and uncle. Wreaths included one from the Australian Red Cross. Victorian director Nichola Krey said volunteers had preserved flowers and cards left by the community after the shooting; a book made from the cards was presented to the families and the flowers were scattered at the memorial. A second memorial is scheduled in Bright tomorrow.