Once Mohammad Bhuiyan’s three daughters finish their food at Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club’s annual charity Christmas Day lunch, it’s onto the presents. The giggles of eight-year-old twins Fiona and Febina, and their younger sister, Farhina, 4, fill the room.
It’s a happy return to the club for the girls. Less than a fortnight ago, the Bhuiyans were enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the playground below when bullets began raining onto a nearby Hanukkah event.
From left: Febina, Farhina and Fiona Bhuiyan at Christmas Day lunch at the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club.Credit: Janie Barrett
Bhuiyan’s wife fell over and was seriously injured in the chaos.
The tragedy has rocked the Bangladeshi family, but they were still determined to enjoy Christmas at the surf club, where they have spent December 25 for the past four years.
“We come here every year, and we really enjoy it. We don’t miss it,” Mohammad said. “My daughters love coming here, and they love their gift bags. That’s the reason I brought them.”
Volunteers handing out food at the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club’s Christmas lunch. Credit: Janie Barrett
The lunch’s organiser, lifesaver Sebastian Cassie, nearly cancelled this year’s meal due to concerns it was too soon after the events of December 14, in which 15 people were shot dead.
Cassie, who was a first responder at the shooting, said he asked a local rabbi for advice about planning the lunch.
“Their words of encouragement and wisdom were: ‘No, you put it on.’ In the Jewish community, how they communicated it to me was that you overcome tragedy and darkness by putting on things that bring light, joy and community service,” Cassie said.