Senior Constable Bikash Bharati Wins National Bravery Award in Canberra

Senior Constable Bikash Bharati of the New South Wales Police Force received a national bravery award in Canberra on 28 October 2026. Mirage News reported that the Police Federation of Australia presented him with the joint 2026 National Bravery Award at a ceremony. Bharati earned the recognition for his actions when responding to a public shooting on 5 October 2025. [1]

Bharati was attached to the Burwood Police Area Command when he became one of the first officers to arrive at the scene of the shooting in Croydon Park. Mirage News reported that he came under direct fire during the emergency incident. [1]

Despite the danger, Bharati directed a junior colleague to safety and provided immediate assistance to an injured member of the public. Mirage News reported that the organisation recognized his actions for demonstrating outstanding bravery, courage, and dedication to service. [1]

The New South Wales Police Force was established in 1862 and serves as the principal law enforcement agency in the Australian state. It employs more than 15,000 police officers across an area covering more than 800,000 square kilometres. [1][2]