The Daily Aus Headlines: Thousands mourn officer killed in Porepunkah
Sep 5, 2025
Around 3,000 mourners gathered to honor a police officer tragically killed in the line of duty. In healthcare news, nurses and midwives in New South Wales are celebrating a new wage increase and better penalty rates. On the international front, 26 countries have pledged troop support for Ukraine as talks for a ceasefire continue. Meanwhile, a glimmer of hope shines in cancer research as an Australian company secures over $2 million in funding for groundbreaking treatment advancements.
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Mass Funeral For Fallen Officer
- Around 3,000 people attended the funeral for Senior Constable Vadim de Wart-Hotart after he was shot while executing a search warrant in Porepunkah.
- His brother Sasha asked mourners to remember how Vadim lived, and Vadim was posthumously awarded four police medals including the Victoria Police Star.
Officers Shot During Search Warrant
- Two officers, Vadim de Wart-Hotart and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neil Thompson, were shot while executing a search warrant; a third officer was seriously injured.
- The accused gunman Desi Freeman remains at large after an 11-day manhunt and Thompson will be honoured at a separate service.
Interim Pay Deal For NSW Nurses
- NSW public sector nurses and midwives accepted an interim deal including a 3% pay rise and higher night penalty rates backdated to July 1.
- The union continues pushing for a 35% pay increase over three years and will pursue the case in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.