Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, views the renowned coast as her own backyard. On that particular weekend evening, she, similar to other local residents, detected pops echoing around the community.
“That was the initial assumption, but I reasoned it was still too bright and no one could see them,” Ching states. Stepping out of her residence, she observed people “streaming up Bondi Road”. The faces she saw told her something was wrong.
As she stood on the road, talking to a duo who had hurried up the slope soaked, she noticed someone coming up from behind. This turned out to be a lifeguard, sprinting in the direction of Bondi without shoes from the nearby Tamarama beach – a distance of 1.5km – while holding a defibrillator.
“I heard someone say ‘excuse me’, and as I turned I just saw this streak in blue,” she recalls. “He was simply racing by. He was alone running in the path that everyone was trying to flee, while holding that big kit and without footwear … He moved at something that certainly every instinct would signal you to go in the reverse way.
“Absolutely no pause, but just fully maximum effort sprinting.”
A Symbol of Courage Amidst Crisis
The image Ching captured of the lifeguard, later named as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as a prime example of acts of courage in the aftermath of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, a second lifeguard, noted that Doolan, called “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to support the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to help surf lifesavers, police and medical teams caring for dozens of victims.
Community Outpouring and Support
Doolan’s actions was just one of many to emerge from the community, with the lifeguard clubhouse next to the location of the incident becoming a impromptu treatment center. Reports indicate that fellow lifeguards were also seen responding bravely, for instance rushing into the surf to save people in distress.
Following the events, messages of appreciation were shared. An online statement expressed appreciation for the responders who demonstrated that “goodness will always triumph over darkness”.
The group of rescuers later shared a communication, saying they were “coming to terms with what occurred”.
“We are grateful all for your thoughtful messages and support. We are overwhelmed by the compassion shown towards our team,” the group commented. “When ready, we will share our stories in the belief that it aids those affected.”
Council Commendation
Waverley council, the local authority that employs many permanent beach safety officers, remarked that the staff acted heroically from the moment the shooting commenced through to late that nighttime.
“There have been so many emotional narratives, but the widely-circulated image of Jackson Doolan, racing from Tamarama to Bondi with a medical device so he could help assist the injured is extraordinary,” commented a council representative.
“The team exhibit dedication every day in keeping our internationally renowned shores safe for visitors, but what we observed on Sunday should be commended.
“While we mourn and come to terms with the atrocity of this brutal and barbaric act of violence, I think it is important that we reflect on just how much positivity we have observed in the face of such hatred.”
