The policing community will today converge to mark 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.
There were 21 people injured, including community members as well as police, while many others that weren't listed bear the invisible scars.
This event aims to acknowledge the continued impact of the bombing on everyone involved.
The impact on police was profound with some leaving the force and others left with physical and psychological scars.
The more than 200 guests expected include Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, Police Minister Anthony Carbines, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation chair Mark Stone, Victoria Police Legacy chair Inspector Kate O'Neill and Police Veterans Victoria CEO Debra Richardson who is a Russell Street survivor.
Constable Taylor's parents Marilyn and Arthur Taylor, supported by son Michael, will attend.
Some of the more than 900 police graduates who have received a special academic award created in Constable Taylor's memory will also be there.
Constable 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, marking the first time an Australian policewoman had been killed in the line of duty.
Photos provided to the Victoria Police Museum from inside the Russell Street complex provide a new perspective on the impact of the blast.
The first explosion came from a parked car loaded with sticks of gelignite which wiped out the front windows of the police building and set off a series of petrol tank explosions in nearby cars.
It's regarded as the first time terrorism came to Melbourne.
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.
There have been 178 Victoria Police members killed on duty.
Quotes attributable to Chief Commissioner Mike Bush:
"The Russell Street bombing was one of the darkest days in our force's history.
"Its ramifications, both within our organisation and the broader community, continue to this day.
"This 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.
"Amid such unimaginable horror the Russell Street attack is a reminder that courage and hope will always shine through."
Quotes attributable to the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO Vedran Drakulić:
"The Russell Street bombing is one of the most infamous tragedies that took the life of Constable Angela Rose Taylor and affected the lives of many other victims and survivors.
"Nothing can erase the heartache of this tragedy, but the Blue Ribbon Foundation worked with Angela's family over many years to create something positive in her memory, and honour her service to the community.
"We are proud that Angela's memory lives on in our collective memory through projects such as the lifesaving intensive care unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the child protection unit at the Monash Medical Centre, to name just a couple.
"These facilities, as well as public events such as the Angela Taylor Annual Memorial Run help us, the community, remember Angela's service and her sacrifice in a positive way.
"This is what Angela would have wanted, helping others when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Police Veterans Victoria CEO Debra Richardson:
"40 years on, the Russell Street bombing still lives in the hearts of those who were there.
"As a survivor, and now CEO of Police Veterans Victoria, I stand in honour of those we lost and alongside the many who continue to carry the silent scars of that day.
"Remembering matters - because their service, their sacrifice and their stories must never be forgotten."
