Cats Issue Statement on Bondi Beach Attack, Join Nation in Mourning
The Geelong Football Club has issued a statement following the heartbreaking events in Sydney yesterday, joining sporting organisations and communities across Australia in grieving the terrorist attack that claimed at least 16 lives at Bondi Beach.
The Geelong Football Club is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking events in Sydney yesterday. The thoughts of everyone at the Cats are with the victims, their families, and loved ones impacted by this horrific attack, as well as the first responders and members of the public who bravely took action to support those in need of assistance.
Sunday evening’s tragedy unfolded as more than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, when two gunmen – identified by New South Wales police as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram – opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the beach. The attack, labelled an act of “pure evil” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, killed people aged 10 to 87, including a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and left 40 others injured.
Among the heroes who emerged was 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen before being shot twice and requiring emergency surgery. Police neutralised the attackers within 10 minutes, with Sajid Akram killed at the scene and his son in a critical, comatose condition under police guard.
At times such as this, supporting each other is critical.
The Cats’ statement comes as sporting codes across the country pause to honour the victims, with Monday night’s Big Bash League match in Geelong set to feature a tribute. Other clubs, including the Sydney Swans, Brisbane Lions and NRL’s Roosters, have also issued messages of support, while media opportunities and events – including the unveiling of the 2026 State of Origin jersey – have been postponed out of respect.
The attack has renewed national conversations about gun control and antisemitism, with the national cabinet set to discuss tougher firearms laws this week.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the following services: Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or the Jewish Community Council of Australia’s support line on 1800 811 870. For those affected by hate crime, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419.
