Alexandra Ching, a lifelong resident of Bondi, has always considered the iconic beach as her back yard. On a recent Sunday evening, she, along with numerous local residents, detected loud noises ringing out through the suburb.
“We all thought the same, but I thought it was daylight and there was nothing visible,” Ching states. She left her home, she observed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. Their expressions she saw signaled something was wrong.
Positioned on the avenue, talking to a couple who had rushed up the incline still dripping wet, she noticed someone coming up at her rear. This turned out to be a rescuer, running at full speed in the direction of Bondi barefoot from the neighbouring Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while transporting a medical device.
“I noticed a person utter ‘excuse me’, and turning my head I only caught a glimpse of this flash of blue,” she recalls. “He was zooming past. It was just him heading in the direction that all the others was trying to get away from, while holding that big kit and unshod … He moved at something that certainly every part of you would signal you to move in the reverse way.
“Absolutely no pause, but just fully maximum effort running.”
A Symbol of Bravery Amidst Tragedy
The photo that Ching snapped of the lifeguard, now known to be Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as one of many acts of valour in the aftermath of the tragic event.
Andy Reid, a fellow beach safety officer, says that Doolan, referred to as “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to support the rest of his team at Bondi, as well as to work with emergency personnel, police and medical teams treating numerous victims.
Community Response and Solidarity
Doolan’s actions was just one of many to be shared by the local area, with the beach facility adjacent to the site of the incident transforming into a makeshift treatment center. Reports indicate that other team members were also seen helping out, for instance rushing into the surf to rescue people needing help.
Following the events, comments of appreciation circulated widely. One post conveyed thanks for the individuals who demonstrated that “compassion will always overcome evil”.
The group of rescuers issued a message, explaining they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.
“Thank you all for your supportive sentiments and solidarity. We are deeply moved by the kindness shown towards our responders,” the organization wrote. “In time, we will tell our tales in the belief that it supports those impacted.”
Council Commendation
Waverley council, the local authority that hires many permanent lifeguards, stated that the crew rose to the occasion from the second the shooting began right into late that night.
“People have shared so many moving narratives, but the popular image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a defibrillator so he could help assist the injured is remarkable,” stated a council representative.
“These individuals demonstrate dedication every day in maintaining the safety of our world-famous beaches protected for surfers and swimmers, but what we observed on that day should be celebrated.
“During this time of sorrow and grapple with the terror of this brutal and barbaric tragedy, I think it is crucial that we consider just how much positivity we have witnessed in the face of such hatred.”
