Channel Nine faces backlash after Gold Coast reporter practises golf swing at Bondi Beach terror attack vigil: ‘Well done’

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Okay, so I’m completely horrified right now! Channel Nine, you know, one of the big TV stations here, is getting seriously dragged online, and rightfully so! Apparently, one of their reporters did something unbelievably insensitive near the memorial for the Bondi tragedy. I saw the pictures and honestly, it’s just awful. People are furious, and I completely understand why. It’s just… a terrible look for them, and incredibly disrespectful given what happened.

Matthew Bower, an Instagram user, was recording a memorial gathering at Burleigh Heads to honor the 15 people who died in Sunday’s tragic terror attack.

The video captured Channel Nine’s Gold Coast weather and surf reporter, Luke Bradnam, casually swinging a golf club very close to the funeral service.

The video featured a young Jewish woman giving a heartfelt speech about the experience of being Jewish in Australia.

The uploader captioned the video: ‘Well done, Channel 9,’ adding a face palm emoji.

He further pointed out Bradnam’s actions in another post, captioning it: ‘Remembering Bondi at 4 – tee time at 4:30.’

The video quickly led to online discussion, and many people criticized the reporter’s actions. One commenter expressed strong disapproval, saying it was completely unacceptable.

 However, others defended Bradnam, claiming the criticisms were an overreaction. 

‘God forbid the weatherman relaxes a little,’ one commented.

Someone else agreed, saying that despite this awful event, life must continue.

Okay, so it’s absolutely awful, truly heartbreaking, but honestly, life just has to go on, you know? I mean, we all need to keep breathing and trying, even with everything that’s happened. It’s just… what else can we do?

This event has impacted people both in Australia and around the globe, but it’s important to remember that we can’t simply give up or halt progress.

One commenter rebutted with: ‘Can’t believe I’m seeing comments supporting him. Shameful.’

Speaking to News Corp, an apologetic Bradnam said it was ‘never the intention’ to cause distress.

‘I wasn’t aware I was visible to those attending the vigil,’ he told the publication.

We moved to a spot far enough away that the speeches wouldn’t be disturbed, so my weather update wouldn’t interrupt the event.

Bradnam added that after finishing his work duties, he also attended the vigil.

‘My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted,’ he said.

Bradnam also made headlines back in November 2020 when his car was stolen during a live cross.

While reporting the weather live from Cavill Avenue on the Gold Coast – a well-known party spot for school graduates – someone reportedly stole his Ford Ranger truck.

Police arrested three teenagers around 11:30 PM that night, less than half a mile from where the car was reportedly stolen.

Bradnam confessed to leaving his keys in the ignition and said he was playfully joking with some young people right before the car was supposedly stolen.

I had just finished the weather report, removed my earpiece, and turned around to see my car being reversed towards me. I initially laughed, thinking a friend was playing a joke on me, as I told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

I noticed the car was being backed up very quickly, and that’s when it hit me – someone was stealing it.

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2025-12-19 02:03