July 15th 2024.
There are some days in the newsroom that stick with you long after they're over. For me, December 12, 2022 was one of those days. As the phones began to ring in the late afternoon and the first details of what was happening on the Western Downs came to our desks, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
I've been delivering news to the people of Queensland for 16 years, but very few stories have affected me as deeply as this one. It would later be declared as "Australia's first Christian terror attack" - a brutal and calculated execution of two young police officers and an innocent neighbor. The events of that day left an indelible mark on Queensland and sent shockwaves throughout the nation.
It was just two weeks before Christmas when four constables were ambushed while responding to a routine missing persons call in the small outback town of Wieambilla, west of Brisbane. Tragically, two of the officers were killed, and an innocent neighbor also lost their life. The property became a battleground, with a lengthy gunfight resulting in the deaths of the three attackers.
In the weeks and months that followed, the details that emerged were just as shocking as the initial incident. It was a twisted tale of conspiracy theories, religious extremism, and former teachers-turned-cop-killers. The investigation led police to the other side of the world, where it caught the attention of FBI agents and ultimately resulted in an arrest in the United States.
We are proud to announce the release of our new podcast, The Ultimate Sacrifice. The first two episodes are now available, with two more to follow next week. In these first four episodes, we meticulously examine the events of December 12, 2022 and the ensuing investigation.
In the first episode, we take a drive out to the crime scene and try to grasp the horror of what unfolded. The four young officers had no idea they were walking into a trap. Two would never make it home, but two were able to escape with injuries. Amidst the tragedy of that day, there were also stories of bravery and heroism.
In episode two, we hear from someone whose life was forever changed when gunshots and explosions shattered the quiet town. Kerry Dare is the wife of Alan Dare, the neighbor who went to investigate the chaos and was shot by one of the gunmen lying in wait. As a grieving widow, she has more questions than answers.
It has been a year and a half since that fateful day, and the haunting question still remains - how did a routine callout turn into Australia's deadliest police shooting? Starting on July 29, the Coronial Inquest will aim to provide some answers. My podcast partner and producer, Jess Lodge, and I will take listeners inside the courtroom as the inquest unfolds. We will share new details and previously unheard testimony in The Ultimate Sacrifice.
Dozens of witnesses, including police officers, experts, psychologists, and family members, will be called to give evidence. This will include never-before-heard police recordings, 000 calls, and crucial testimonies that will reveal the heroism and camaraderie displayed on that tragic day.
This podcast is our heartfelt exploration into the events of that unforgettable day and our earnest pursuit of answers. As we uncover new evidence during the upcoming inquest, we hold the highest respect for Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold, the two young officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Ultimate Sacrifice is now available on all podcast platforms. It is a collaboration between 9News and 9Podcasts. The first two episodes are out now, and we invite you to join us as we delve into this tragic and complex story. You can download the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Thank you for listening.
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