Police mark 40 years since Russell St bombing

Victoria Police has marked the 40^th anniversary of the Russell St bombing, with a special commemorative service held on March 27 to honour Constable Angela Taylor and all those affected by one of Melbourne’s darkest acts of violence.

The ceremony at the Victoria Police Academy brought together survivors, police leaders, veterans and Taylor’s family to remember the 1986 attack, in which a car bomb exploded outside the old Russell St Police Headquarters.

Constable Taylor, aged 21, had been crossing the street to collect lunch for colleagues when the bomb detonated. She died 24 days later, becoming the first Australian policewoman killed in the line of duty.

In total, 21 people were injured in the blast, including police and members of the public, while many others were left with what police described as “invisible scars”.

More than 200 guests were expected at the anniversary service, including Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, Police Minister Anthony Carbines, representatives from the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, Police Veterans Victoria and Victoria Police Legacy, as well as surviving family members and past recipients of the academic award established in Taylor’s memory.

The service included a tribute by the Victoria Police Pipe Band, prayers led by police chaplain Jim Jung and a minute’s silence. Photos provided to the Victoria Police Museum from inside the Russell St complex were also used to offer a new perspective on the scale of the blast’s impact.

Chief Commissioner Bush said the bombing remained one of the most traumatic moments in the force’s history.

“The Russell St bombing was one of the darkest days in our force’s history,” he said.

“Its ramifications, both within our organisation and the broader community, continue to this day.”

He said the anniversary was an important chance to remember Angela Taylor’s life and to acknowledge the many police and civilians still carrying memories of the event.

The bombing is widely regarded as the first time terrorism came to Melbourne. Police said its effects on the force were profound, with some officers leaving policing altogether and others carrying physical and psychological wounds for decades.

Police Veterans Victoria chief executive Debra Richardson, herself a Russell St survivor, said the event still resonated deeply 40 years later.

“Remembering matters – because their service, their sacrifice and their stories must never be forgotten,” she said.

The anniversary has also renewed attention on the legacy of Constable Taylor, whose memory continues through awards, memorial events and hospital facilities supported by the Blue Ribbon Foundation.