Tag Archives: oceania

‘In moments of darkness, I hope you’re able to find light’

Australia is still reeling from the Bondi shooting on Sunday night but in amongst the devastation are touching moments of unity and kindness.

The terrorist attack claimed 15 innocent lives, including two rabbis, a married couple, and a 10-year-old girl.

Several of the victims are being laid to rest today.

LIVE UPDATES: Alleged Bondi gunman charged with 15 counts of murder

We asked Nine.com.au readers to send their tributes for those affected by the tragedy, including the broader Australian and Jewish communities.

This is just a small selection of their messages of condolences, love, and support.

Fourteen of the victims of the Bondi attack (clockwise from top left): Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Dan Elkayam, Matilda, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, Peter Meagher, Alex Kleytman, Tibor Weitzen, Reuven Morrison.

"To everyone affected, both directly and indirectly, my heart is with you. In moments of darkness, I hope you're able to find light, and to remember that the hatred of a few can never outweigh the love of many. Please know that I, along with the rest of Australia, are with you. " – Josh, Horsham

"Within the terror, the horror, the grief of the loss of loved ones, there will be a glimmer of hope, there will be a ray of sunshine that will pierce through the darkness eventually. To those affected by the attack, we grieve for your losses and hope that you rise among us once more." – Jessie, Australia

"Deepest sympathy to all, may we never see this again ." – Jackie, Canberra

"My heart is breaking for the Jewish community. May you know that we are all sending love and praying for you and your loved ones." – Melissa, Perth

Rabbi Yossi Friedman speaks to people gathering at a flower memorial by the Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach.

"To all those affected, to all those who are scared, every Australian stands with you. They may break our hearts but they will never break the Australian spirit and the love we hold for each other." – Myles, Brisbane

"Sending love to all the victims of the Bondi shooting, their loved ones and the Jewish community. Stay strong, Australia stands beside you!" – Ally, Adelaide

"We are resilient, and we are in this together. While we are all hurting and grieving, let us take solace in knowing that our beautiful country remains united, peace-loving, and steadfast. Let's look out for each other, let's heal together by spreading warmth love and light. " – Puja, North Ryde

"You are all in our prayers and thoughts. " – Bruce, Brisbane

"I am miles and miles away from Bondi, yet I sit here and cry with heartache and anger that such hate has happened in our country. My Heart breaks for you all. I pray that you will eventually all find peace and hope again." – Kate, Moe

Paramedics pay respects at Bondi Memorial after tragedy

"Australia stands with you. We are crying with you, our hearts are breaking for you, and we are here for you. We will hold you up, listen, pray and mourn with you. We all lost something very special that day and nothing will ever bring that back but we will stand together." – Sue, Seymour

"Like the rest of Australia I'm so sad this has happened to you, we will probably never meet but you'll forever be in my thoughts." – Kel, Geraldton

READ MORE: Father identified as 13th Bondi victim

"I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can ease this pain, but I hope you know you're not alone. Please know you're in my thoughts during this difficult time." – R, Olympic Park

"The love of an entire nation is with the families and friends of the victims, the Australian Jewish community, and everyone else who has been affected by this truly horrific event." – Leo, Tasmania

"I have no words, just sending love, thoughts and kindness. " – Yas, Wollongong

"To everyone affected by the Bondi massacre, may God bless you, give you strength and keep you in his arms. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. " – Anna, Melbourne

"May peace surround Bondi and all who were affected. May those who lost their lives be held in love and light. May the injured find healing in body, mind, and spirit. May families and friends feel comfort, strength, and support during their grief. May fear be replaced with compassion, anger with understanding, and sorrow with collective care. May our community come together in kindness, remembering that being respectful and kind is free. May hope slowly return, and may all hearts find peace." – Ly, Mt Pritchard

"Strength and love to all affected by this dreadful tragedy. So proud of all those who assisted on the day." – Kath, Gold Coast

"Nothing can possibly take away the hurt and pain you're feeling, but I hope you know that you have a nation who care about you and who are feeling your sadness too. If grief is truly a journey, Australians are here for you every step of the way. " – Maria, Padstow Heights

Touching moment crowd erupts in song at Bondi memorial

"We are with you every step – stay strong for you have a nation to stand by you." – Mark, West Pyble

"My heart aches for all the victims of this abhorrent violent attack. Sending love and light from my family." – Liz, Melbourne

"While this incomprehensible act of terrorism has rocked us to the core, please know that each and every one of you are in our hearts and thoughts. As has been said many times, light will prevail over darkness." – Yvonne, Darwin

READ MORE: The five questions Australia is asking after the Bondi terror attack

"We honour the lives lost, share in your grief, and stand together in compassion, finding strength in memory, unity, and hope for healing ahead. " – A, Perth

"My heart aches for everyone impacted by this devastating tragedy. I pray that peace will one day return to our beautiful country. Sending love, light, and strength." – Em, Newcastle

"May you all heal and feel the love of every Australian embracing you. Thank you to our first responders for your bravery. " – Kara, Sydney

"My heart goes out to you during this unimaginably difficult time. No words can ease the pain of such a senseless and devastating event, but please know that you are in our thoughts. We stand with the families who have lost loved ones, the injured who are recovering, and everyone in the community who has been shaken by this tragedy." – Karern, Botany

"From across the ditch in Aotearoa New Zealand, we are thinking of you Australia. You are our brothers and sisters and no one understands the horror, tragedy, pain and sorrow you are all feeling more than us. We're with you Australia, through and through. " – Connor, Auckland

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Anxious ATAR wait over for several states as scores released

Most of the country's 2025 Year 12 students have finally received their ATAR results, with just one state left still waiting on tenterhooks.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) ranks students from a scale of zero to 99.95 and is used to help year 12 students enrol in their preferred university course.

It is calculated by combining the best scaled subjects (two units of English and eight other units) to create an aggregate, which then ranks a student against their year group.

READ MORE: Aussie university to offer qualifications for dropouts

The moment group of nine Melbourne High boys open their ATAR results together in 2024.

ATAR results come out on different days across the country and can be accessed on the tertiary admissions centre used by the state or territory.

Here is a complete breakdown on how and when to find your ATAR score. Note that all times are local.

NSW and the ACT

Results were released at 9am today and can be found on the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website. 

Students received an email with a quick link to the ATAR login, which required either their UAC PIN or Year 12 student number.

North Sydney Boys High School students after finishing their HSC exams.

Victoria

VCE and ATAR results came out earlier this month via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

Queensland

Students were able to access their results at 12pmtoday via the ATAR Portal.

They need their full name, date of birth, LUI number, and personal email ready to set up their ATAR account to log into the portal.

South Australia and the Northern Territory

ATAR results were released at 8.30am on December 15.

Students can view their rank on the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) online portal using their registration number and four-digit PIN.

South Australia calculates the ATAR for students in the Northern Territory. 

READ MORE: Australia's social media ban started today. Teens say it's already failing

australian university pathways for those who do not get the atar they need

Western Australia

Students can see their ATAR results on December 21.

The Education Department does not specify what time, so it is best to keep checking throughout the day.

They can find it via the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) student portal using their student number and password.

Tasmania 

Results came out yesterday and were progressively emailed to all students. 

They can also access their ATAR on the Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) website.

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Inside the controversial plan to fight antisemitism ‘gathering dust’ on PM’s desk

The federal government has faced escalating criticism over how it has responded to antisemitic attacks in Australia prior to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

Special envoy to combat antisemitism Jillian Segal unveiled a 20-page landmark plan in July with dozens of key recommendations to fight the rise of antisemitism.

The government is yet to formally adopt Segal's recommendations, however Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today vowed to introduce reforms and implement recommendations to crack down on hate speech, radicalisation and antisemitism.

READ MORE: The five questions Australia is asking after the Bondi terror attack

Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal holds a press conference at Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in Sydney. Thursday July 10th, 2025.

READ MORE: How everyday Aussies can help in the wake of the Bondi shooting

Segal – a former lawyer and business executive – was appointed special envoy in July 2024 in a bid to combat the rise of anti-Jewish incidents across the country.

She was nominated for a three-year term and works directly with the prime minister to "listen to and engage with Jewish Australians, the wider Australian community and all levels of government" on how to tackle this growing problem.

One of her first major tasks was releasing the controversial report.

Among the 49 key actions Segal outlines was ensuring the "ongoing physical safety of Jewish communities" and "maintaining strong law enforcement to prevent and respond to antisemitic threats".

Segal wrote that it was intolerable to accept that Jewish Australians needed to wrap its schools, community centres and places of worship in multiple layers of security.

She recommended increased operational security at existing and new Jewish institutions and a "permanent standing cooperation arrangement between state and federal governments to investigate threats and incidents, as well as links to terrorist elements".

Critics, including Amnesty International, labelled the plan a failure for falling short of addressing the root causes of antisemitism and for its vague, sweeping recommendations.

Bondi Pavilion vigil

What are the recommendations in Jillian Segal's report?

Segal's report included 49 key actions.

Among them are a national database which keeps track of antisemitic incidents, a university "report card" that holds educational institutions to account for how they prevent and address antisemitism and strengthening both federal, state and territory legislation to penalise antisemitic behaviour.

She also recommended:

  • Media monitoring to ensure "fair and responsible" reporting
  • The establishment of a formal working definition of antisemitism
  • Holocaust and antisemitism education to be embedded in schools
  • Stronger regulation of harmful online content
  • Targeted antisemitism training in multiple industries
  • A commission of inquiry into campus antisemitism
  • Screening visa applicants for antisemitic views or affiliations
  • Consultation with the Jewish community to provide early warning of areas of concern

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference following a shooting at Bondi, at Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday 14 December 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

What the parties say

The government is facing accusations of not doing more, and sooner.

"The leadership has not been there for Jewish Australians," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said.

Ley said she had set up a team of shadow cabinet ministers to tackle antisemitism in response to the shooting.

"It will drive the full implementation of the government's own antisemitism envoy's report that has sat gathering dust on the prime minister's desk," Ley said.

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg claimed Albanese knew "stronger action" was needed in the wake of escalating antisemitism in Australia.

"From the hours after October the 7th, we saw those scenes on the steps of the Opera House, where people were celebrating the death of Jews," Frydenberg said on ABC's 7.30.

"Since that time, we've had the doxing of Jewish creatives. We've had the boycotting of Jewish businesses. We've had the firebombing of places of worship, synagogues across the country, we've had childcare centres bombed, and we've had daily protests."

Frydenberg, who was once the most senior elected Jewish-Australian official in the country, said these incidents have all taken place "on the prime minister's watch".

"The prime minister has been told repeatedly along the way that stronger action needed to be taken," he added.

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg at a memorial at Jewish Care in Prahran for the lives lost in the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The PM today acknowledged the rise of antisemitism in Australia during a press conference alongside Segal and explicitly connected Sunday's attack with social attitudes following the October 7 attacks on Israel.

"Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry it is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more," he said.

Albanese this week also pointed to several recommendations his government has acted on, including banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols, criminalising doxxing (the sharing of personal information of others online with malicious intent), and millions of dollars in education funding.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also used the deportation of people with antisemitic views as an example of action the government has taken.

The government has now committed to fast-tracking the special envoy's recommendations.

"We will look at all measures that can contribute to eradicating hatred and we will continue to engage with the special envoy and leaders in the community, the Jewish community, about the way forward on that," Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the ABC.

PM vows to take action

Albanese today announced a raft of new government actions to build on Segal's plan.

"The Australian government adopts and fully supports the plan to combat antisemitism," Albanese said.

"Firstly, the Attorney General and Minister for Home Affairs will develop a package of legislative reforms to crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation."

The National Security Committee has agreed that the changes will cover five points:

  1. Aggravated hate speech offence laws for preachers and leaders who promote violence.
  2. Increased penalties for hate speech that promotes violence.
  3. Making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment.
  4. Developing a regime for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech, promoting violence or racial hatred.
  5. Developing a narrow federal offence for serious vilification based on race and or advocating racial supremacy.

"The Minister for Home Affairs will also have new powers to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in this country, or would do so if they were allowed to come here," Albanese added.

Anthony Albanese

Antisemitism in Australia

Segal's report labelled Australia's escalating rates of antisemitism as a "national crisis".

It claimed episodes of antisemitism soared by 700 per cent in October-November 2023 after the October 7 attacks by Hamas compared to the previous year.

And from October 2023 to September 2024, Segal said antisemitic incidents surged by 316 per cent.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess declared antisemitism Australia's leading threat to life in February this year.

If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.

To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.

Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.

If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.

Early season monsoon burst to drench Australia’s Top end before Christmas

Australia's staring down the barrel of an earlier-than-expected monsoon season and it may arrive before Christmas, though not all states and territories will be affected.

Based on the current Weatherzone modelling, parts of Queensland, the NT and northern WA are set for a drenching when monsoon rainfall begins next week.

It may also cause wet conditions in other parts of the country as moisture from the monsoon spreads to rain-bearing systems farther south.

LIVE UPDATES: Alleged Bondi gunman charged with 15 counts of murder

Forecast accumulated rain during the 10 days ending at 11pm AEDT on December 26, 2025, according to the ECMWF model.

The exact timing and strength of the active monsoon phase is yet to be confirmed.

Meteorologists will be watching conditions closely as the monsoon develops.

Northern Australia experiences a wet season every year between November and April.

During that time, the region typically experiences between two and four active phases of the monsoon, which is a reversal of winds that brings huge bursts of rain.

These active phases cause strong winds and heavy downpour.

They can also cause low-pressure systems, which may increase the potential for tropical cyclone activity if they're over open water.

And it looks like the first active monsoon phase of the season will hit northern Australia right before Christmas.

READ MORE: Rob Reiner's son Nick appears in court on two counts of murder in killing of his parents

Forecast precipitable water and 700 hPa wind at 11pm AEDT on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

READ MORE: Three words Oporto CEO Therese Frangie swears by when you're trying to land a new job

It's expected to arrive on the back of a heat wave in many parts of the country this week.

A mass of hot air from Australia's western coast is currently sweeping across the nation, sending temperatures surging in WA, SA, Victoria, the ACT, NSW, and Queensland.

Even Tasmania will be feeling the heat today.

Some cities are predicted to record temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s today and tomorrow, with the hot conditions expected to ease over the weekend.

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Three words this CEO swears will help you land a better job

Exclusive: In this nine.com.au series, we'll be talking to some of Australia's smartest and sharpest entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs to find out what makes them tick – and what advice they'd have for anyone starting out.

Therese Frangie graduated high school with no university offers; now she's the chief executive of restaurant giant Oporto.

Though she didn't do well in her HSC, Frangie went on to complete a master of business administration while also working as Mad Mex's chief operating officer.

Now she's in charge of running a business that rakes in tens of millions in profits each year and swears by the words 'be, do, have'.

These are her secrets to success.

Therese Frangie graduated high school with no university offers; now she's the chief executive of restaurant giant Oporto.

How do you start the day to set yourself up for success?

With a morning routine. I am a big believer in managing your cognitive load and eliminating decision fatigue.

I have a morning routine that is posted on my wardrobe that I've been following for years now. I no longer look at it, I just go into auto-pilot. I kick off the day at 5am, as this gives me 'me time' and allows plenty of time to set myself up for a good day, between parenting and work.

By starting my day in this way I am setting myself up for success because I am reliving my brain from making even micro-decisions before the day really starts.

What are three daily habits you always stick to?

Morning routine: it sends me straight into autopilot so I don't waste time or energy thinking about what comes next.

Eat breakfast: I need food to function — this one is non-negotiable.

Go to bed early: I usually crash when the kids do. I learned a long time ago that every hour of sleep before midnight is worth two!

READ MORE: Jim Penman started a billion dollar business with $24. This is what he looks for first when hiring

Lots of Aussies are looking for a career change. What small action can help them get ahead of other candidates?

'Be, do, have'.

Know what you want to be [and] do what you need to do, whether that's studying, volunteering, or networking, to have what you want.

I'm a big believer in networking. It opens doors, builds confidence, and helps you learn about industries and people you might never have crossed paths with otherwise. You also never know who's hiring next, or who knows someone who is. There's no stronger resume than a genuine word of mouth recommendation.

READ MORE: Grant Hackett was on top of the world at age 20. This is what he wishes he'd known

What financial myth did you previously believe that you wish you never bought into?

I used to think all debt was bad. Over time, I've learned it's how you use it that matters.

There's bad debt that drains you, and good debt that helps you grow, like investing in education, property, or your business. The key is knowing the difference and making sure your money is working for you, not against you.

What do you wish you could tell your 20 year old self?

"This too shall pass."

There will be great days, and not-so-great days. When you're going through challenges, whether family, relationships or work, remember that everything in life is temporary.

Life will go on. Focus on what you can control. Stay positive. Keep your eyes on your goal. Admit when you're wrong.

Lean into the discomfort and remind yourself, 'this is just a speed hump. Life will go on.'

Have you got a story? Contact reporter Maddison Leach at Google Play.

‘Torn away’: Emotional scenes as mourners farewell first victims of Bondi terror attack

Emotions ran high as family and loved ones bade farewell to the first victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack with some funeral services less than a kilometre from the scene of the tragedy.

Loving husband and father-of-five Rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire at the Sydney beach.

He was the first to be farewelled, with standing room only at Chabad of Bondi as mourners packed the synagogue and outside on the streets, with tight security surrounding the event.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger and family

Among the crowd was NSW Premier Chris Minns, federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, former prime minister Scott Morrison and the Israeli Ambassor to Australia Amir Maimon.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was notably not in attendance but said before the funeral he would stay away unless he was invited.

Normally there are no eulogies at a Jewish funeral, just prayers. But tradition was pushed aside, so the world would know what it has lost.

READ MORE: Matilda's grieving family break down as they speak at Bondi vigil

A mourner reacts at a synagogue during the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a victim in the Bondi Beach mass shooting, in Bondi on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, Pool)Rabbi Schlanger, who was also a prison chaplain, received a guard of honour.

Rabbi Schlanger, who was also a prison chaplain, received a guard of honour from Corrective Services NSW. He would often travel hours out to regional NSW to be with inmates.

During the service mourners paid tribute to the "outstandingly devoted… exemplary and loving husband", "supportive and caring son and son-in-law" and "loyal and inspirational friend".

Relatives were seen embracing his coffin in grief as the service began.

READ MORE: The five questions Australia is asking after the Bondi terror attack

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, father-in-law of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, speaks at his funeral.

Rabbi Levi Wolff described Rabbi Schlanger as one of the "purest, most sincere and passionate people any of us have known".

"Eli was ripped away from us in the midst of doing what we loved best, spreading love and joy, and caring for his people with endless self-sacrifice," Wolff said.

"In his life and in his death, he towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls.

"This loss is massive for the entire Jewish nation, but for our community here, and for Chabad of Bondi, the loss is unspeakable."

Wolff said Rabbi Schlanger was a proud father-of-five, including a six-week-old son, who would "keep watching over" his family.

READ MORE: Radio saved the life of Bondi terror attack victim

The coffin of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a victim in the Bondi Beach mass shooting, is escorted out of a synagogue after his funeral service in Bondi on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, Pool)

"We have all been hoping over the last three days that we would wake up and somehow realise that this was all a terrible dream. We can't wish that anymore," Wolff added.

"We are here, raw and devastated, crying in unbearable pain, along with the entire Jewish people and all good people across Australia and the world over in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack that was perpetrated in our city.

"We mourn the loss of every single precious life, we embrace their families and we wish them strength.

"We pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the injured."

Just three hours after they said their goodbyes, there was a second funeral – this time for Sydney businessman Reuven Morrison.

READ MORE: How everyday Aussies can help in the wake of the Bondi shooting

Reuven Morrison

He was one of the heroes from Sunday, hurling a brick at the gunmen.

"He's chasing after the terrorists, in his usual way, swearing at the terrorists, and he throws at them a brick! This is the greatest heroic act that a Jew can do … to save another Jew," a friend said, remembering Morrison.

Then, in the late afternoon, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a father-of-four, was farewelled at Macquarie Park.

"We saw him physically plucked and torn away from the ones he loved so dearly and the wider community," one mourner said in tribute.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan with his family

The funerals marked the official beginning of seven days of mourning but there will be no end date.

This community is dealing with another atrocity and, history tells us, the pain will live on forever.

If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.

To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800. Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.

If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

‘I hate crime’: Hero cop who took down Bondi shooter identified

The hero police officer who is believed to have shot and killed Bondi gunman Sajid Akram has been identified as Cesar Barraza, a local detective who joined the force because he "hates crime".

Video footage emerged yesterday of the detective senior constable approaching the shooters, taking cover behind trees as they opened fire on crowds with long-arm guns from a footbridge.

Wearing no protective equipment, he was seen raising his pistol and firing towards the attackers.

READ MORE: Accused gunman charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder

Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza.

READ MORE: Furious ex-treasurer unleashes at PM over Bondi terror attack

His shots are believed to have killed 50-year-old killer Sajid Akram, and wounded 24-year-old alleged shooter Naveed Akram, who was then arrested by police at the scene.

The younger Akram has since been charged with 59 offences, including committing an act of terror and 15 counts of murder, for his alleged role in the attack.

Barraza appeared on the police reality TV show Recruits more than 15 years ago.

"My name is Cess Barraza, I'm 26 and I want to be a police officer because I hate crime," he said on the program.

READ MORE: New Year's Eve events cancelled after Bondi terror attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier of NSW Chris Minns,  and  NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon provide an update on the Bondi Beach shooting at a press conference at NSW Police Executive offices in Sydney, Tuesday, 16 December 2025.

READ MORE: 'Miraculous' survival for officer injured in Bondi Beach attack

This afternoon, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said authorities had not yet confirmed Barraza's shots struck the Akrams, but praised his actions in confronting them.

"We're still awaiting ballistic examination before we can confirm who fired that shot," he said. 

"I'm proud of the officer who has been identified, as I am of every police officer there on that day. 

"The bravery they went through to approach and resolve that situation is incredible."

READ MORE: Father identified as 13th Bondi victim

Bondi Pavilion vigil

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that another of the officers who responded to the shooting, Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, has lost sight in one of his eyes due to the gunshot wounds he sustained.

A statement from his family said he has a challenging recovery ahead of him, including several rounds of surgery, after "miraculously surviving".

He has only served in the police force for four months, but Lanyon assured that he will be supported.

"We will find appropriate duties for him, depending on the nature of that injury and his capacity," the commissioner said.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Alleged Bondi gunman charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder

Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences after a terrorist incident that claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 41 more at Bondi Beach on Sunday. 

The 24-year-old awoke from a coma in hospital yesterday, after he was critically shot and hospitalised during an alleged shootout with police. 

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprised of NSW Police, AFP, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission, this afternoon charged him with a slew of offences in relation to the incident.

READ MORE: Radio saved the life of Bondi terror attack victim

Naveed Akram.

The offences include 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act, 40 counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, causing public display of a prohibited terrorist org symbol and placing an explosive in/near a building with intent to cause harm.

Akram has faced court via a livestream from his hospital bed.

He's not well enough to be transferred to prison and will remain in hospital under police custody. 

He refused to speak with police, who waited three days for his medication to wear off before charging him today.

"For us to do that, it's important that he has appropriate cognitive ability at the time when you're on medication, we would argue for his fairness," NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at a press conference earlier today.

"We need to make sure that he's able to understand exactly what's happening."

9News understands several lawyers were approached to represent Akram, but they refused. 

READ MORE: Emotional moment crowd sings 'I am Australian' at Bondi Beach vigil

Bondi Pavilion vigil

Investigators will allege officers arrived to find Naveed and his father Sajid Akram, 50, using long arm rifles to fire into crowds of people when they were called to Bondi Beach after 6.40pm on Sunday.

Several officers exchanged shots with the alleged gunmen, and two officers were shot in the process.

The alleged nine-minute assault came to an end when Sajid was shot dead, and Naveed was critically shot. 

A total of 15 people, aged between 10 and 87, were killed and another 41 people were injured.

Police will allege in court that Naveed committed actions that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community.

"Early investigations indicate it was an alleged terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia," a NSW Police statement reads.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early investigations indicate that no other individual is expected to face charges.

READ MORE: How everyday Aussies can help in the wake of the Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram (far right).

The investigation has widened across borders, after it was confirmed that the father and son had visited the Philippines for a 28-day trip in November.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos junior's spokesperson, Claire Castro, said the leader rejected "the misleading characterisation of the Philippines as an ISIS training hotspot".

"Currently, there is no validated report or confirmation that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident received any form of training in the Philippines," she said.

"Philippine authorities, in coordination with the international partners, continue to verify all available information, but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training."

Naveed is an Australian citizen, while his father, Sajid, was born in Hyderabad, India.

Sajid migrated to Australia in 1998 but used his Indian passport to visit the Philippines.

Authorities are speaking to his family and friends overseas, who say they had little to do with him for the past 30 years.  

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Parliament of Australia (Getty)

If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.

To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.

Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.

If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.

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