Bondi terror attack first responders and heroes honoured at SCG

Published: January 4, 2026

Daily London

Before day one of play at the SCG, the Australia and England teams lined up in a guard of honour for 14 people who represented emergency services as well as members of the public who put their lives on the line to save others.

They included Ahmed Al Ahmed, who wrestled and disarmed one of the gunmen, and Jackson Doolan and Daniel McLaughlin, representing lifeguards at Bondi Beach who acted quickly to save lives.

The heroes and first responders were given a standing ovation by the 48,000 people in attendance at the SCG. (Getty)

The heroes stood on the SCG pitch, and players, officials and 48,000 people in the crowd gave them a moving and rapturous standing ovation.

A moment of silence for the 15 victims of last month’s attack was held.

Jackson Doolan and Daniel McLaughlin represented Bondi Lifeguards, who acted quickly and selflessly to offer aid to victims whilst the shooting was going on. (Getty)

Al Ahmed was the final person to walk through the guard of honour, with his left arm in a still in a sling after being shot.

He was in St George Hospital for over a fortnight, and had surgery on his shoulder.

Al Ahmed was released from hospital on December 29.

Ahmed Al-Ahmed has been made an honourary Bondi Lifeguard after putting his life on the line to save others. (Getty)

Bondi Lifeguards thanked Cricket Australia for the touching ceremony.

“As lifeguards, we are incredibly proud to make Ahmed al-Ahmed an honorary member of the Bondi Lifeguards, recognising his selfless heroics that helped save lives,” a post said.

“Thank you… for your tribute to the first responders, and for once again allowing a moment’s silence in honour of the families affected by the Bondi attack.”