15/12/2025
When there's a tragedy - when evil is unleashed on the world - people often share the quote ascribed to Fred Rogers that we should "look for the helpers".
If your kids are struggling to comprehend this incomprehensible massacre on our shores, here are some helpers you can point to:
1. The hero who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two, was just passing by when he heard the shooting. With no fi****ms or self-defence training, he charged one of the gunmen from behind, wrestled the rifle away, and pointed it back at the attacker - forcing him to retreat.
Ahmed was shot twice in the struggle and is recovering in hospital. Countless people are alive because he didn't hesitate. I find myself in tears just thinking about what he did. Heroism is not a big enough word for me here.
2. The police and ambos who risked their lives and gave all they had to protect and preserve life.
Emergency responders flooded the scene, literally putting themselves in the firing line.
Two police officers were shot while protecting the community and are currently in serious but stable condition after surgery. They ran toward danger while others ran away. I am in awe.
3. The woman who shielded a little girl throughout the shooting.
A father searching desperately for his daughter found a stranger lying on top of her, protecting her with her own body. The woman had been shot but told him: "I've got your daughter, I've been protecting her."
He said to her, "You've saved my daughter's life. I'll be indebted to you for the rest of my life." How do you ever thank a person for that kind of courage? For that level of sacrifice?
4. The everyday people who performed CPR, applied pressure to wounds, and gave first aid.
Footage shows civilians crouched beside victims, performing CPR, stemming bleeding, moving the injured to safety - all while uncertain if the danger had passed. Bystanders rendered aid for 40 minutes to keep victims alive until paramedics could take over.
5. The countless people who have lined up to give blood.
The lines at donation centres snaked around buildings this morning. Lifeblood issued urgent calls for O-negative blood, and Australians showed up. Blood banks are now working to open additional appointments because so many people want to help.
In the face of unspeakable hatred, look at what humanity offers in return: courage, sacrifice, protection, healing, solidarity.
That's what you tell your children. Evil tried to win yesterday. The world can be brutal. But look at all these helpers.
