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Shark attack victim's family praises Coogee Beach community at swim-out
At least 1,000 swimmers joined the fundraiser, and a GoFundMe page for Stewart’s recovery has raised more than $460,000.
On Sunday, at least 1,000 people gathered at Coogee Beach for an organized swim-out to support Leah Stewart, a mother who remains in critical condition following a shark attack on June 13.
Stewart, a 34-year-old mother, suffered catastrophic injuries including an arm amputation after being mauled by a suspected white shark while swimming between the flags on June 13.
Surveillance drones, jet skis, and 20 rescue board paddlers monitored the swimmers, while Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker called the event 'community at its best' as residents returned to the ocean.
A GoFundMe page established to assist with Stewart's recovery and prosthetics has raised more than $460,000, while the local surf club hosted fundraisers to aid the family.
Premier Chris Minns praised the solidarity shown by the community, noting that while Coogee is 'suffering,' residents demonstrated an 'absolute force of strength' by returning to the water.