Daily Mail photographer Banjo McLachlan has been named a finalist for the Kennedy Award for Outstanding News Photography for his coverage of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The incident, which occurred on December 14, 2025, is considered the deadliest terrorist event in Australian history.
McLachlan, a freelancer for the Daily Mail, was working at Sydney's Bondi Beach when two individuals, identified as Naveed and Sajid Akram, allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration. The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including a child. During the event, McLachlan captured high-resolution photographs and video of Naveed Akram, the surviving gunman, as bullets reportedly passed near him. He described his instinct as documenting the event, stating, "My natural instinct was to document this as best I could. I had a job to do."
The images taken by McLachlan depict Akram reloading, interacting with the other gunman, and firing his weapon. Daniel Piotrowski, deputy editor of Daily Mail Australia, praised McLachlan's actions, stating, "The entire newsroom was in awe of Banjo's bravery that terrible night. He chose to pick up his camera and shoot photos and video - the first draft of history - despite the threat to his life. His images were nothing short of outstanding and it is very fitting he is being recognised."
McLachlan is a finalist alongside Edwina Pickles of The Sydney Morning Herald and Sam Mooy of Nine newspapers. The Kennedy Awards program honors the memory of journalist Les Kennedy, and winners are scheduled to be announced on August 21. Naveed Akram is currently facing legal proceedings for the attack.