Sydney Opera House sails lit up to honour paramedic Steven Tougher

Sydney Opera House sails glow in red and white to honour fallen paramedic Steven Tougher — and all emergency workers who put their lives on the line each day.

A red and white ambulance ribbon adorned the Sydney Opera House sails on Friday night to pay tribute to fallen paramedic Steven Tougher — and to all emergency workers who put their lives on the line each day.

The projected image was a simple, symbolic gesture by the NSW government, a week after the 29-year-old paramedic was allegedly stabbed to death while sitting in his ambulance in the carpark of a McDonald’s in Campbelltown.

The death of the recently married father, who was expecting his second child with wife Madison, has had an impact on all those who knew him — and many who didn’t.

His grief-stricken father Jeff Tougher has called for “Steven’s Law” to protect frontline workers.

An online petition supporting that push has garnered around 70,000 signatures.

The Sydney Opera House sails lit up to say thanks for emergency workers. Picture: Monique Harmer

Paramedic Steven Tougher was allegedly stabbed to death while sitting in his ambulance.

“Steven’s senseless death has shaken the whole state. It is just heartbreaking,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“This young man dedicated himself to the service of others. He wanted to be there for others in their times of need.

“Now, NSW is showing that we are here for Steven’s family.

“We hope this small gesture shows the Tougher family that our state continues to send them our love and thoughts.

“And we hope seeing the ambulance ribbon on the Sydney Opera House gives strength to Steven’s 5000-strong paramedic family too.

“On behalf of the state, we are thankful for your service — especially at times like this.”

Health Services Union NSW secretary Gerard Hayes welcomed the “wonderful initiative” which he said would send a powerful and poignant message to emergency service workers at “a tragic point in time”.

Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, from Raby, has been charged with murder and will remain behind bars until his case returns to court in June.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]