Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al Ahmed received another surge of appreciation from the Sydney crowd on Thursday night, with an enormous cheer ringing around the SCG as he and other first responders from the December terrorist attack were recognised ahead of the first AFL game of the season.
The tribute came at the same venue where Ahmed was celebrated only two months ago, when he drew a standing ovation, a round of applause and a huge cheer on day one of the fifth Ashes Test. On this occasion, supporters packed into the ground for the season-opening match between Sydney and Carlton, and they responded just as loudly when Ahmed was introduced.
Sydney’s newly appointed chief executive and Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich took on master-of-ceremonies duties for what was described as a moving pre-match acknowledgement of those who stepped up in the aftermath of the attack. A wide cross-section of people and services were invited onto the field, underscoring how many different roles are involved in responding to a crisis and helping a community recover.
Representatives from NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, the SES, Waverley Council and Surf Life Saving NSW were all honoured. The recognition also extended beyond emergency services to include hospital workers, community health representatives and rabbis, reflecting the broader network of care and support that follows a major incident.
When it came time to single out Ahmed, Pavlich’s words were brief and direct, but the response they triggered was immediate. “And representing our community heroes, please make welcome Ahmed Al Ahmed,” Pavlich said, prompting an amazing reception from the crowd.
Ahmed stood with his left arm in a sling, continuing to recover after suffering five gunshot wounds and undergoing three rounds of surgery. Despite the visible signs of the toll it has taken, he acknowledged the crowd with a wave of his right hand before placing his hand on his chest and bowing, a quiet gesture that carried across the stadium.
After the applause and cheering subsided, the atmosphere shifted to reflection, with a moment’s silence observed before the Swans-Blues match got under way.
