Mates are raising money for Alan Dare’s partner after he was shot and killed at Wieambilla

The Australian spirit has come alive the past week, with the nation raising almost $82k for the family of a heroic neighbour murdered in cold blood. Read how you can help here.

A nation still in shock over the horrific murders of two police officers and a courageous neighbour have raised almost $82,000 in five days for the family of slain man Alan Dare.

On December 12, after hearing gun shots and seeing dark smoke from a neighbouring property, Alan told his wife Kerry ”I’ll be back” as he got in his car and drove down his driveway.

It is understood Alan’s believed his neighbours’ house was on fire and went to see if they needed help.

Alan was shot in the back and killed after stumbling across an ambush, where the killers that had already taken the lives of Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow.

Brett Hovey, of Western Edge Fire Service, set up a GoFundMe account after the murders in the hope of helping Kerry and giving his friend the farewell he deserved.

With a goal of $25,000, Australians have come together and raised $81,991, as of Sunday afternoon.

Husband, father and grandfather Alan Dare with Kerry Dare. Alan was checking on his neighbours after hearing gunfire when he was shot in the back and killed in the rural community of Wieambilla, Queensland on Monday, December 13, 2022. Source: Facebook

Alan’s stepson Corey Richards told 7News that he was incredibly close to the man who had raised him from a young age.

“Without him, I wouldn’t be me,” he said.

It was not that first time Alan had gone to help his neighbours, with a previous time almost costing him his car.

“Last time there was a fire he got his own car stuck and almost burnt out trying to save two of his neighbours,” Mr Richards told 7News.

“If there was a police officer it didn’t matter if they were dead or alive on the side of the road, he would have risked his own life to go and make sure he got him out of there.

“It’s not just a dead body to him, he’d help anyone and everyone.”

A heartbroken Mrs Dare remembered the sound of gunshots “went forever”, before her husband went to investigate.

“I was on the phone to triple-0 and they told me there was an incident,” Mrs Dare told A Current Affair.

“She (the triple-0 operator) told me to tell him not to go.

“If I had a run down the driveway and tried to stop him, maybe …”

Shortly before 5pm, Constable McCrow, 29, and Constable Arnold, 26, were executed by the camouflaged gunman, later identified as Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train.

Meanwhile, Constable Keely Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both 28, managed to escape.

Alan Dare died in a shooting at Wieambilla

Constable Kirk was shot in the leg and wounded, while Constable Brough was able to find cover in long grass before it was set on fire, allegedly to flush her out.

Mrs Dare claimed her husband was left behind by police after he was shot.

“They just left him there,” she said.

Mrs Dare told NCA NewsWire she was kept in the dark by police on what was unfolding and was left to endure a horrific wait for information about what had happened to her husband.

“They’re not telling me anything and I don’t know if they will tell me anything,” she said.

“I know that he’s gone but I don’t know who killed him.”

Mr Dare’s grieving sister on Tuesday spoke about her brother’s “caring” nature.

Robynne Dare said the tragic shooting of her brother came just six months after the passing of their father in July.

“I’m still in shock,” she said.

“Al would go out of his way to help whoever he could,

“It’s a very sad time for all our family. I’m not even sure Christmas will exist for us this year.”

More than 1900 people have donated to the GoFundMe account, with many comments paying respects to Alan and his family during this difficult time.

“R.I.P. Alan Dare. A true Aussie legend,” Jodie Waterfield said.

“I hope you find peace in knowing Alan was a hero until the very end, and he will never be forgotten,” Michelle Caulfield said.

“I hope that he is provided a funeral funded by the QLD Police Force and you can use this money to try and move forward without your soulmate. RIP Alan.”

Kano Sykes echoed Ms Caulfield’s remarks in the hopes the Queensland Government could assist with the funeral.

Alan Dare is pictured here with his wife Kerry.

“Couldn’t imagine what she’s going through. Bloke went out of his way to help. Could of just stayed at home. He heard the gunshots he knew something was very wrong. He should be honoured all the same.”

Police from across Southern Queensland swarmed on the property and the three shooters inside the home were shot and killed by specialist police about 10.30pm.

A neighbour described the scene as like “World War III”.

To help support the funeral fund for Alan Dare, click here.

The Queensland Police Service has also established a remembrance fund for Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold.

Click here to support it.