Police radios across Queensland will silence for a minute at 4.36pm on Tuesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the Wieambilla shootings.
Two officers, Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26, were among the six killed after four officers were sent to a remote property to inquire about a missing person.
Shortly after arriving, Ms McCrow and Mr Arnold were shot and killed in a shooting described by Queensland police as “a ruthless, calculated and targeted execution of our colleagues”.
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Nathaniel, Gareth, and Stacey Train – the officers’ killers – were shot dead by tactical police following a six-hour standoff, while the sixth person, neighbour Alan Dare, was also killed.
In a statement released by the Arnold family via Queensland police, they said December 12, 2022, would be a day they never forgot.
“A day when incomprehensible evil murdered our beautiful son and brother, for simply doing his job,” the statement read.
“Matt had no chance of survival on that day, and this makes his death so unfathomable. It is so cruel and unfair that we never got to say goodbye. We miss Matt’s laugh, kindness, empathy and willingness to help.
“These traits were what made him such an excellent police officer and made him love his job.”
The statement also paid tribute to the McCrow family.
“On this day, and every day, we think of Rachel McCrow and her family. Every day we are in awe of Rachel’s bravery and courage,” the statement read.
“We will forever stand with the McCrow family in the pain they feel with losing Rachel. We thank both of Matt and Rachel’s friends and colleagues who have shared stories about their friendship, work shenanigans and fierce board game battles.”
An inquest into the incident is pencilled to begin next year.
Last week, a man in the United States was arrested over comments made online which allegedly incited violence before the attack.