Three years after fatal shark attack, community cements teacher's legacy

Three years after a fatal shark attack claimed the life of Simon 'Bucky' Baccanello, his community is rallying to cement his legacy through a significant fundraising effort. A team of 35 runners has embarked on a grueling 720-kilometer relay from Adelaide to Elliston, a journey undertaken to raise funds for a new community sporting facility in Elliston.

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I feel like he's with me all the time in lots of different ways. When we have a big group here together, which is what Simon really loved, he just wanted his mates to be together, and he was very good at bringing people together.

Simon Baccanello, a 46-year-old avid surfer and keen fisherman, was attacked by a shark while surfing at Walkers Rocks near Elliston in May 2023. He had joined the Elliston Area School earlier that year as a health and physical education teacher, actively participating in junior sports, football, and tennis. His death sent shockwaves through the community, marking one of several shark attacks along South Australian beaches in a short period.

Rather than being remembered solely for his tragic death, Baccanello's brother, Paul, expressed a desire for him to be remembered for how he lived. "There's a lot of heartache that has come from Simon's death, which was a really difficult thing at the time," he said. "But having said that, from it has come a lot of good."

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There's a lot of heartache that has come from Simon's death, which was a really difficult thing at the time. But having said that, from it has come a lot of good.

The community's response has been extraordinary, with fundraising efforts significantly exceeding expectations. The initial goal of $300,000 has been surpassed, and the team is now aiming for $500,000. Paul Baccanello stated, "I'm sure Simon would be very happy with the fact that what we're doing is for the benefit of a community that he loved, and a community that we've come to love."

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My family is indebted and very grateful to the community of Elliston who have just been extraordinary to our family.

Chad Fleming, principal of Elliston Area School, has been with the support team throughout the run and expressed his amazement at the support and camaraderie. He noted that plans for the new facility are still being finalized but will prioritize community health, wellbeing, and fitness. Fleming added that the process of building a committee to decide on the facility's use is itself bringing people together, embodying the spirit of Baccanello's legacy.

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I'm sure Simon would be very happy with the fact that what we're doing is for the benefit of a community that he loved, and a community that we've come to love.