Bravery Medal: Rod Patterson says things will never be the same following Bourke St terror attack

Having been awarded a prestigious medal by the Governor-General on Tuesday night, Torquay resident Rod Patterson reflects on the six years since he was stabbed in the head by a crazed terrorist.

Rod Patterson will always have a 14cm scar on the left side of his head after being stabbed during a terror attack in Melbourne six years ago. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe.

Once the life of the party, Rod Patterson says since being stabbed in the head by a crazed terrorist six years ago he now avoids the party.

The Torquay resident was on Tuesday night named by Governor-General Sam Mostyn as one of six recipients nationally of the prestigious Bravery Medal.

Awarded for significant acts of bravery in dangerous situations, Mr Patterson, 63, was recognised for his actions during the November 2018 Bourke St terror attack that saw Hassan Khalif Shire Ali fatally stab beloved Melbourne restaurateur Sisto Malaspina.

Mr Patterson, a Tasmanian firefighter for 18 years, was holidaying with wife, Maree, when he noticed Shire Ali’s ute, laden with gas bottles, was alight.

Unaware the Somalian-born, knife-wielding offender had deliberately lit the fire, Mr Patterson’s instincts kicked in and he approached the ute to locate any potential victims.

Shire Ali stabbed him in the left side of his head as he was doing so, cutting his main artery and inflicting a 14cm long, 4cm deep gash.

“My wife and I said goodbye to each other that day, as I’ve said before,” Mr Patterson said.

“It’s been a bloody tough six years, let me tell you, it’s changed our lives forever.”

Hassan Khalif Shire Ali’s deadly Bourke Street attack took place on November 9, 2018.

Mr Patterson and his wife of 42 years moved to Torquay from Launceston four months ago to be closer to their first grandchild, 10-month-old Harper.

He said the recent spate of knife attacks in Victoria and the August 1 triple stabbing murder in England were unwanted reminders.

“You shut your eyes and see it all happening again,” Mr Patterson said.

“You try and put things to the back of your mind, but they’re so easily brought forward with everyday events.”

Mr Patterson, who now works as an Uber driver when he can bring himself to get off the couch, said his personality had changed “tenfold”.

“I used to be the life of the party, everywhere I went, I loved making people happy, that’s something that really got me going, seeing people smile, seeing people laugh,” he said.

“Now I just don’t want to go to the party … we sort of stick to ourselves now.

“I feel like I drag everything down because someone will ask me about the attack and how I’m going, and I’m a very honest person, (so) when I tell them ‘s**t’, because that’s the truth, it just sort of brings everything down.”

Rod and Maree Patterson at The Alfred following the stabbing attack. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Patterson thanked his family, particularly Maree, for supporting him during the dark times.

The couple have joined The Sands in Torquay in an effort to make new friends.

They continue to receive professional help, which he said was easier to access in Victoria.

Mr Patterson said he felt nothing towards Shire Ali, who was fatally shot by police during his rampage that also saw him stab a 24-year-old security guard.

“I never met him, didn’t know him, and I’ve never allowed thoughts about him,” he said.

“Because what caused this incident was his hate and I don’t want hate in my heart.

“It’s an ongoing battle … I was a big tough firey for a long time and we were told to suck it up, but guess what? That was the wrong message.

“Put your hand up and say you need some help, and the sooner you do it, the better you’ll feel.”

Two years after the attack, Shire Ali’s younger brother, Ali Khalif Shire Ali, was jailed for 16 years after police thwarted his plan to open fire on revellers in Federation Square on New Year’s Eve.

Sisto Malaspina from Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar was fatally stabbed Hassan Khalif Shire Ali. Picture: AFP.

Mr Patterson will be formally presented with his medal at a Government House ceremony in the coming months.

“Australian Bravery Decorations honour those Australians who put themselves in danger to protect the lives or property of others,” Ms Mostyn said.  

“They are connected by their selfless, courageous, resilient and determined response in extraordinary circumstances.”

Originally published as Bravery Medal: Rod Patterson says things will never be the same following Bourke St terror attack