Alexandra Ching, a lifelong inhabitant of Bondi, has always considered the famous beach as her personal space. On that particular weekend evening, she, similar to other others in the area, noticed cracking sounds echoing around the suburb.
“We all thought the same, but I thought it was still too bright and there was nothing visible,” Ching states. She left her residence, she witnessed people “flooding up Bondi Road”. Their expressions they wore signaled something was wrong.
As she stood on the road, speaking to a duo who had hurried up the incline soaked, she became aware of someone moving up behind her. This turned out to be a lifeguard, sprinting in the direction of Bondi without shoes from the adjacent Tamarama beach – about 1.5km – while holding 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 just flying past. He was the only one running in the path that the crowd was trying to get away from, carrying that sizeable pack and barefoot … He moved at something that surely every part of you would instruct you to run in the reverse way.
“Without a second thought, but just totally full throttle running.”
An Iconic Image of Bravery Amidst Chaos
The image Ching captured of the rescuer, since identified as Jackson Doolan, quickly spread as among numerous instances of heroism in the aftermath of the violent incident.
Andy Reid, a fellow lifeguard, explained that Doolan, called “Jacko”, sprinted from Tamarama beach to assist the remaining crew at Bondi, as well as to aid surf lifesavers, police and paramedics treating dozens of those hurt.
Collective Reaction and Solidarity
Doolan’s actions was a single example among several to be shared by the neighbourhood, with the patrol base next to the scene of the incident transforming into a makeshift medical station. Accounts show that fellow lifeguards were also seen helping out, for instance going into the surf to rescue people in distress.
After the events, messages of support were shared. A social media message expressed gratitude for the individuals who demonstrated that “goodness will always overcome evil”.
The squad of beach patrol issued a statement, saying they were “coming to terms with what happened”.
“We are grateful all for your thoughtful messages and support. We are touched by the compassion directed at our responders,” the team commented. “When ready, we will share our stories in the belief that it helps those impacted.”
Official Commendation
Waverley council, the administrative organization that oversees many professional lifeguards, said that the team acted heroically from the instant the violence started through to late that night.
“There have been so many powerful narratives, but the popular image of Jackson Doolan, sprinting from Tamarama to Bondi with a AED so he could help save lives is incredible,” said a council representative.
“The team exhibit selflessness every day in ensuring our world-famous shores secure for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on that evening should be highly praised.
“As we grieve and come to terms with the terror of this violent and horrific terrorist attack, I think it is crucial that we reflect on just how much light we have observed in the presence of such evil.”
