A British woman who moved from England to Australia describes the terrifying moments at Sydney’s Bondi Beach just before gunshots were fired in an attack that has shocked the community.
Bondi possesses an unmatched warmth and sense of community. It has become home to countless people from all corners of the globe precisely because of this quality, yet yesterday that feeling was shattered.
The noises that echoed through the streets were absolutely terrifying. Since relocating from England last year, I’d never once felt unsafe, but the devastating events that occurred at my beloved local spot on Sunday demonstrated that evil exists everywhere.
Just moments before shots rang out, the beach was thriving. It was a bustling summer’s evening with glorious sunshine.
The streets were heaving with people. I’d nipped down to the beach for a swim with mates and departed around 6.20pm.
During my 10-minute walk home from the beach, I saw folk enjoying drinks, live music performances and cheerful faces everywhere, reports the Mirror.
I texted a friend I’d just parted ways with saying: “It’s such nice vibes everywhere tonight.”
My following message was asking if she was alright.
What we’ve since learned is that what we initially believed were fireworks from my apartment, as did most nearby residents, were actually gunshots. Shortly afterwards, a flood of messages arrived urging people to ‘stay inside’.
Then came the sheer terror of checking on everyone you know. When you’re living far from home, your friends become your family.
The following moments became a haze as I rang and texted all my loved ones who might have been affected whilst going about their normal day. I feel incredibly fortunate and thankful that everyone I know is safe, but my heart aches for those who cannot say the same.
I immediately contacted my family to assure them of my safety before the news reached the UK. As people began to stir back home, a deluge of messages arrived, checking on my wellbeing.
My thoughts were consumed by those who wouldn’t be able to respond to similar enquiries.
Even from within my flat in south Bondi, sirens were the only sound until late into the night. I’ve never heard such a multitude of helicopters.
The noises persisted well into the evening, with announcements echoing from loudspeakers.
Colleagues from my previous job witnessed the horror, seeking refuge in kitchens and bins. Acquaintances who were out at restaurants and bars scrambled to find hiding places.
The discovery of a car laden with explosives stirred further fear. Everyone is deeply unsettled.
This morning, Bondi is in mourning.
Helicopters continue their relentless patrol. The surreal atmosphere serves as a stark reminder of the world’s potential for terror.
Love is being sent particularly to the Jewish community in Bondi and Sydney, the innocent victims of this horrific attack.
As the death toll climbs, the pain intensifies. The knowledge that children as young as 10 went to the beach and never returned home is heart-wrenching.
Nobody anticipates a mass shooting occurring in their vicinity. Nobody foresees residing in the same location where a terrorist attack transpires.
But above all, nobody envisages such an event happening in Bondi, which once felt like the safest place on earth.
