Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos was interviewed overnight on Sky News UK.
She paid tribute to the “everyday heroes” who ran towards the danger to protect each other and to help other people during the Bondi Junction attack.
“It shows you what an incredible community we are here in Waverley,” she said, paying particular tribute to the lone police officer who approached and shot the attacker, as well as to a man who confronted the attacker on the shopping centre’s escalators.
One man confronted the Bondi Junction attacker on the shopping centre’s escalators.Credit:
“These demonstrations of heroism are truly awe-inspiring,” Masselos said.
“She (the police officer) was there on her own and she went towards the danger. Even [after she shot the attacker], she immediately began applying CPR – that just shows you the dedication of the person and her incredible act of heroism – even then her main concern was for someone who had fallen.”
Masselos said that when you went out shopping, “you expect to go home to your family and six people tonight won’t be tonight,” adding that the Bondi Junction shopping centre wasn’t just a place to shop but also a local meeting point for many young people.
“I will be reaching out to the various service providers and to the police to see what practical support we can offer as a council,” she said.
“This isn’t something that is part of our experience at all – it’s left a lot of people in shock and disbelief. It’s so senseless.”