- Published:
- Friday 27 March 2026 at 7:30 am
| Constable Angela Taylor was fatally injured in the 1986 bombing outside the Russell Street Police Headquarters |
Today marks 40 years since the deadly Russell Street bombing.
A special service will be held at the Victoria Police Academy to bring together survivors and honour the life of Constable Angela Taylor, who was fatally injured in the 27 March, 1986 attack.
Const Taylor, aged just 21, was crossing the street to collect lunches for her colleagues when a car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Headquarters.
She died 24 days later, on 20 April, becoming the first Australian policewoman to be killed in the line of duty.
Another 21 people were injured in the bombing – both police and community members – and a great many more bear invisible scars from that day.
More than 200 guests will attend today’s service, including Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, and Const Taylor's parents Marilyn and Arthur Taylor, supported by son Michael.
Other guests include Police Minister Anthony Carbines, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation chair Mark Stone, Victoria Police Legacy chair Inspector Kate O’Neill and Police Veterans Victoria chief executive Debra Richardson, who is herself a Russell Street survivor.
Some of the more than 900 police graduates who have received the Angela Taylor Academic Award during their time at the Academy will also be there.
Const Taylor joined Victoria Police in 1984 and graduated as dux of her squad.
She worked at Oakleigh and Lilydale police stations before being posted to Russell Street, where her career – and her life – were tragically cut short.
She died in hospital, having suffered significant burns to most of her body in the explosion.
Chief Commissioner Bush said the Russell Street bombing remains “one of the darkest days” in Victoria Police’s history.
"Its ramifications, both within our organisation and the broader community, continue to this day,” CCP Bush said.
"Today’s ceremony is an important opportunity to commemorate Angela Taylor's life and the good she stood for.
"We also recognise those injured and the countless police and everyday citizens who live with the memories of what happened that day.
"We honour them with our work, our service and our pledge to never forget the events of 27 March, 1986.”
Victoria Police, the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, Police Veterans Victoria and Victoria Police Legacy have united to arrange today's ceremony.
The Victoria Police Pipe Band will perform a special tribute, while police chaplain Jim Jung will lead prayers and a minute's silence.
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