Name: Lifesavers and lifeguards hold tribute for Bondi attack victims
Uploaded: 2025-12-20T06:14:23.285Z
Duration: 3 min 10 s
Description: As Australia prepares to mark one week since the massacre that claimed 15 lives, another emotional tribute has taken place. More than 1,000 lifesavers lined Bondi Beach for three minutes of silence, with similar tributes held nationwide.

As Australia prepares to mark one week since the massacre that claimed 15 lives, another emotional tribute has taken place. More than 1,000 lifesavers lined Bondi Beach for three minutes of silence, with similar tributes held nationwide.

Bondi

Over 1,000 surf lifesavers gathered at Bondi Beach to be honoured for their courageous actions during a recent attack, where they were among the first to assist the injured despite coming under fire. The event was marked by public tributes, a flyover, and visits from the Governor-General and politicians, as lifesaving clubs across the country held similar ceremonies.

The community continues to support those affected, including fundraising for injured individuals like Geffen Bitten. Memorials remain in place for mourners, with some tributes being preserved for victims' families and display at the Sydney Jewish Museum, as the Bondi community works towards healing.

Lifesavers and lifeguards hold tribute for Bondi attack victims

Arm in arm, a wall of our red and yellow heroes in silence. Watched on by the public, more than 1,000 men and women lined the sand before patrols began, the quiet broken by hugs and cheers. APPLAUSE And a flyover from the Westpac Rescue helicopter overhead... HEAVY MOTORCYCLE ENGINE ..showed a bird's-eye view of the Guard of Honour. I already know we have amazing people, but far out now, everyone knows it. For the troops who patrol Bondi's shores, saving lives is all in a day's work. But on Sunday, more than that, they were the front line, among the first on scene to help the injured, all while coming under fire. I knew who would be there, and I just couldn't contact anyone for hours. And I knew why, I knew they'd be responding, but it was, um... I just... You feel for them. Our role as red and yellow is we run from the beach into the water to save people. That night, the lifesavers and lifeguards ran from the water to the land to save people. The Governor-General came to meet the heroes herself, joined by state and federal politicians. For those who were there on that day, returning to the scene has taken its own kind of bravery, made easier with the backing of mates. It's definitely been a journey. There's been very small steps through the week, walking through the grass for the first time, wearing some of the clothes that you wore on the day, like, getting back out in the ocean with... Both Bondi and North Bondi clubs were fully restocked today, with first-aid equipment and rescue boards. I'm deeply proud, indeed, of every hero, as I'm sure every Australian should be, who saved lives last Sunday, and in time will make sure that they're appropriately recognised. I've seen photos of you guys honouring victims and Matilda, and it brings warmth to my heart. Across the country, their fellow clubs followed suit. These turnouts in Queensland and Melbourne. I think we probably thought there'd be about a dozen people, and then we ended up getting so many people come down. It comes as we learn more about another of the heroes from that day. 30-year-old Israeli man Geffen Bitten was hit by three bullets as he ran to help Ahmed al-Ahmed. Artist Jasmine Murray is raffling off a painting to raise money for his recovery, a fundraiser that's already made $2,000. And he is an absolute legend. He actually works with my husband. So he may never walk again. You know, he's fighting for his life. He's in ICU. He didn't even need to be there, and he went in there to help save everybody, and he did. Crowds are continuing to gather at the memorial, paying tribute to those who lost their lives. The memorial will remain until Monday, when council workers will clear the area. Some of the portraits will be preserved and given to the victims' families, others displayed at the Sydney Jewish Museum. Over the past six days, the Sea of Flowers by Bondi Pavilion has been a place for mourners to gather and find support in their grief. Even in its final days, there's still a steady stream of people who are adding to it. A community still hurting, but continuing to heal.

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