Waverley Council Mayor, Will Nemesh, has praised the bravery of Council staff who he says risked their own lives to help members of the public in the aftermath of Sunday’s terrorist attack targeting the Jewish Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi Beach.
“As shots rang out over Bondi Beach on Sunday night, countless everyday heroes – including Waverley Council staff – put themselves in harm’s way to help strangers who were injured and fighting for life,” said Mayor Nemesh.
Mayor Nemesh said the actions of Council staff had shone a light on the acts of selfless courage he described as “the true spirit of Waverley”.
“Over the past few days, I have taken huge comfort in the stories of people putting their lives on the line to help those in need,” he said.
“Chanukah is one of the most significant dates on the Jewish calendar and celebrates the triumph of the light over dark. To me, these remarkable people who ran towards danger are the shining light amid unspeakable darkness.
“So many ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage, like Ahmed Al Ahmed, who singlehandedly disarmed and took on one of the shooters, and members of our treasured Jewish community who took action while under attack.”
In addition, a number of Council employees on the ground on Sunday rose to an unimaginable challenge, the Mayor said.
“From the moment the shooting began until late into the night, Council lifeguards patrolling Bondi, North Bondi and Tamarama put themselves in harm’s way to assist those who were injured,” he said.
“There have been so many moving stories, but the viral image of Jackson Doolan, running from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help save lives is remarkable.
“Our lifeguards show selflessness every day in keeping our world-famous beaches safe for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday night should be commended and celebrated.”
Members of Council’s Events team, working at Chanukah by the Sea, and Venues staff at the busy Bondi Pavilion, also stepped up to offer assistance.
“I was told about a Venues team member who helped people fleeing the shooting to shelter inside the Pav and then ran out to administer CPR and help paramedics.”
Rangers and Parking officers in the area also helped guide those people fleeing the beach to safety.
“Council is so proud of its people who do extraordinary work every single day, but on Sunday they went above and beyond. That selflessness and care for the community is the true spirit of Waverley.”
“While we mourn and come to terms with the horror of this brutal and barbaric terrorist attack, I think it is important that we reflect on just how much good we have seen in the face of such evil,” said Mayor Nemesh.
