Politis initiative to recognise emergency services workers before big NRL game
The NSW police inspector who bravely ended the Westfield Bondi Junction attack will present rugby league’s game ball before Sydney Roosters’ inaugural Emergency Services event at Allianz Stadium.
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The NSW Police inspector who bravely ended the Westfield Bondi Junction attack will present rugby league’s game ball before Sydney Roosters’ inaugural Emergency Services event at Allianz Stadium.
Amy Scott, who shot Joel Cauchi during April’s stabbing rampage which killed six people, will fly into the venue on the police helicopter, PolAir, to deliver the match ball 40 minutes before kick-off against Canberra on Sunday week.
It is part of a Roosters’ historic initiative to honour first responders, medical professionals and volunteers from NSW’s emergency services and is the brainchild of club chairman, Nick Politis.
“What a brave act to do what she did. I don’t know about you, but I was taken aback by what I heard and saw what she did. We all thought what a brave person she is,” Politis said.
The day will showcase an on-field triple-header with NSW Police and Australian Firefighters contesting the opening match followed by the Roosters’ NRL and NRLW teams playing Canberra.
Staff members from the Easts group and their families were inside the Westfield precinct on the day of the attack while Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club was made available for first responders.
Counsellors also used the club after the tragedy while the entire Roosters squad attended the Oxford Street Mall to lay flowers and extend their condolences.
Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly predicted the event will rival the emotion and pride associated with the club’s annual Anzac Day game against St George Illawarra.
“The tragic events at Bondi Junction earlier this year deeply affected all of us at the Sydney Roosters so it only fitting that, in this inaugural year, we honour the NSW Police, whose bravery and dedication protected our community,” Kelly said.
“We are proud to have Inspector Amy Scott represent the NSW Police and the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command at our inaugural Emergency Services Event.
“Inspector Scott, along with a Legatee from NSW Police Legacy and a representative from the Steggles Roosters Charity Nest, will deliver the match ball via PolAir as part of the pre-game show.
“Community is at the core of everything we do at the Sydney Roosters and this special occasion is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the incredible work of our frontline emergency services.
“We have been inspired by the support and collaboration of all eight emergency service organisations and Venues NSW, making this celebration truly exceptional. Held on Father’s Day, this event promises to become a marquee fixture on the Sydney sporting calendar.”
Politis added: “I came up with the idea pre-Covid, because we had a lot of disasters – fires, floods – and I thought we should acknowledge the good work that these services do, and the way they help the public, properties and lives they save,” Politis said.
“We can do a little bit to acknowledge them and show our appreciation. All the services are going to be there to display their trucks and equipment that they use. It will all be laid out in front of the stadium in the open area. All the fans can go in and look at what’s there and talk to the people.”
The event will bring together the NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW.
A Roosters statement read: “The NSW Police will lead a pre-game show, showcasing their breadth of excellence and experience.
“The highlights will include a police helicopter display, abseiling from the stadium roof, involvement from the riot and dog squads, a marching band, and much more.
“The precinct outside the stadium will be a hive of activity. All participating emergency services agencies will have activations, equipment and representatives ready to welcome attendees.
“Emergency services staff, first responders and medical professionals have also been invited to attend the event as the Roosters and NRL community unite to say a heartfelt thank you to our emergency service heroes.”
Each year, the Roosters’ Emergency Services Event plans to spotlight one agency with NSW Police to accept this year’s honour.
“It will be the police this year and next year it could be the ambulance, but we haven’t determined; could be the ‘fireys’ or the ambulance,” Politis said.
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