During an Australia Day awards ceremony, Ahmed took the stage and shared that he still carries a “big hurt” from his ordeal, with two bullets lodged in his arm more than a month after Australia’s deadliest terror attack.

Outside the event, he expressed his surprise at being honored, stating, “I didn’t expect to receive it, but it’s something very nice. Thank you for everything.”

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek lauded Ahmed as a “true blue local hero,” emphasizing that the award was a fitting tribute to his bravery.

“This represents the highest honor a city can bestow, and it marks the first time the City of Canterbury Bankstown has presented it,” he declared.

“Congratulations and thank you, Ahmed.”

Elsewhere in the city, during another Australia Day event, Premier Chris Minns also commended the Syrian-Australian for his courageous actions.

“I think what Ahmed’s story shows us, and this is often the case … is that some of our most patriotic Australians are the newly arrived,” he said. 

“Those who’ve decided to become Australian.”

Following the Bondi terror attack, Ahmed spent two weeks in St George Hospital in Sydney’s south and underwent surgery for gunshot wounds.