'Longest and Hardest Year': Families Honour Fallen Officers 12 Months On

'We miss our big brother': families speak one year after police tragedy

Sergeant Lisa Thompson reflects on the "longest and hardest" year since Neal Thompson was killed on duty at Porepunkah tragedy.

'Longest and hardest year': families honour fallen officers 12 months on

A Bright memorial honoured Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, killed in 2025. Victoria Police pledge to carry their legacy.

‘Like it was yesterday’: Slain cops honoured

Grieving families and officers have gathered to remember two police officers murdered by fugitive Dezi Freeman one year ago today.

Australia news LIVE: Porepunkah victims Neal Thompson, Vadim de Waart-Hottart honoured in ceremony; US issues deadlines to countries to stop all financial dealings with Iran

Follow along as we bring you the latest live news updates from Australia and beyond.

Australia news LIVE: Albanese to reveal data centre policy; Porepunkah victims honoured in ceremony; US issues deadlines to countries to stop all financial dealings with Iran

Follow along as we bring you the latest live news updates from Australia and beyond.

Dreams cut short: slain officers mourned on anniversary

Just days before living out a dream of travel and retirement, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson’s life was violently cut short. Far from a life of settling down, Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart was just beginning to build a legacy as an extraordinary member in blue. Ultimately, their journeys came to a tragic end side-by-side at a property in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s alpine region, on August 26, 2025. Sen Const Vadim De …