Parents of Young Matilda Hope for Footbridge to Be Painted Yellow as a Memorial

The parents of Matilda have outlined their wishes at Bondi Beach to honour the victims of the terrorist shooting.

Thousands of items, including cards, photo’s and artworks are seen at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Dec. 22, 2025. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

The parents of Matilda, the youngest of the 15 people killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack, have called for the pedestrian footbridge used by the gunmen to remain standing as a permanent reminder of the violence that took their daughter’s life.

They have also proposed installing a plaque in honour of the victims, and proposed painting the bridge yellow, a reflection of the dress Matilda wore on her final day.

“I want it in place so people can go on it and look at the park from the highest point and feel the pain that was just in front of them,” her mother, Valentyna Poltavchenko, told ABC.

Matilda’s father, Michael Britvan, said removing the structure risked erasing the reality of what occurred.

“Things like this have to stay to remind us of the events,” he said.

The couple has also supported renaming the park where the Hanukkah celebration was held as “Matilda’s Park.”

Bridge’s Future Still Being Decided

The future of the bridge remains unresolved as Waverley Council weighs competing views from residents, victims’ families, and state leaders.

An extraordinary council meeting was held on Jan. 15, one month after the incident.

The pedestrian bridge became a focal point of the meeting after NSW Premier Chris Minns suggested earlier that it should be demolished to avoid becoming what he described as a “ghoulish reminder.”

The bridge is heritage-listed and had already been under review due to its age, with council documents noting it is nearing the end of its usable life and may need replacement within several years.

Councillor Will Nemesh said the bridge’s future could be tied to broader memorial planning.

“The replacement of the northern pedestrian bridge may form part of a future discussion of a permanent memorial,” he said.

Memorials and Healing

In an interim step, Waverley Council has relocated a menorah from Military Road in Dover Heights to Archer Park at Bondi Beach. Installed on Jan. 5, it now serves as a temporary memorial until a permanent site is agreed.

The menorah was designed by Jewish artist Joel Adler in partnership with the Jewish Climate Network and commissioned by council in 2025. Powered by solar energy, it offers a modern interpretation of a traditional Chanukah.

“Chanukah is the story of light triumphing over darkness,” Nemesh said. “This Chanukiah is a reminder that even in dark times, the bright spirit of our community will shine through.”