Community Runs 720Km to Honor Teacher Killed by Shark

A team of 35 runners completed a 720-kilometer relay from Adelaide to Elliston, South Australia, raising over $400,000 in memory of Simon ‘Bucky’ Baccanello. Baccanello, a health and physical education teacher at Elliston Area School, died in a shark attack while surfing in 2023. Friends and family organized the Bucky’s Beach Relay not only to grieve but to establish a lasting tribute to his life.

The funds will be used to build a new community sporting facility in Elliston, focused on health, wellbeing, and fitness. Organizers hope the facility will reflect Baccanello’s ability to connect with people and foster community spirit.

The relay has already exceeded its initial fundraising goal of $300,000 and is now aiming for $500,000. The Baccanello family expressed gratitude for the extraordinary support from the Elliston community and hopes the facility will be a positive legacy for years to come.