Bondi Residents Rebel Against Demolition of Infamous Footbridge Where Terror Attack Unfolded
- Locals rally to save the pedestrian overpass, despite it being the vantage point for alleged father-and-son gunmen
- Residents argue the bridge is a part of Bondi’s history and should not be destroyed due to the actions of ‘two nobodies’
- Some suggest painting the bridge in bright colours or adding a mural to honour the 15 innocent lives lost in the attack
- Waverley Council is considering the fate of the bridge, but Mayor Will Nemesh says it ‘will remain where it is for now’
The people of Bondi have made a defiant stand against calls to demolish the footbridge at the centre of the deadliest terror attack in Australia. The pedestrian overpass, which links Campbell Parade to the iconic beach, was used by alleged gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, as a vantage point to fire at Jewish families in nearby Archer Park.
But despite the horrific events that unfolded on December 14, many locals believe the bridge should remain standing. One resident took to Facebook to express their views, saying the bridge is ‘about all people’ and part of Bondi’s ‘history’ that would be ‘destroyed’ if it was taken down.
‘Everyone uses this bridge for all nationalities, all religious beliefs and cultures,’ they wrote. ‘All the public including tourists and all communities… This bridge is about Bondi Beach and who we are as people.’
The post was flooded with comments from locals who shared similar sentiments. One woman said the footbridge had been part of her ‘history’ for seven decades, while another man argued it had served the community for many years and was the most direct route to access the playground and car park.
Some residents suggested transforming the bridge into a symbol of hope and peace, with ideas ranging from painting it in bright colours to adding a mural to the walls. ‘My first instinct was to demolish, but now I think it should be painted with flowers and lots of bees and beautiful words as a lasting message,’ one woman commented, referencing the youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda, who was also known as Bee.
However, not everyone agrees. Some locals believe the bridge should be knocked down, citing its connection to the evil act. ‘It’s not needed and it’s an awful feature,’ one local said. ‘They should build a new bridge in another spot.’
Waverley Council is yet to make a decision on the fate of the bridge, but Mayor Will Nemesh has stated it ‘will remain where it is for now’. Forensics police spent days collecting evidence and taking photos on the footbridge as part of the investigation into the deadliest Australian mass shooting in almost 30 years.