The Elliston community has honoured the life and legacy of teacher and local identity Simon “Bucky” Baccanello through an extraordinary fundraising effort that brought together runners, friends, family and supporters from across South Australia.

The Bucky’s Beach Relay saw a team of 35 runners travel approximately 720 kilometres from Adelaide to Elliston in a community challenge designed to celebrate Simon’s life and raise funds for a new sporting facility in the coastal town.

Simon Baccanello, aged 46, was a much-loved teacher at Elliston Area School and an active member of the community. He was killed in a shark attack while surfing at Walkers Rock near Elliston in May 2023, leaving the small Eyre Peninsula community deeply affected.

Rather than focusing only on the tragedy, Simon’s family and friends wanted to create something positive that reflected the way he lived — through sport, connection, kindness and support for young people.

The fundraising campaign aimed to build a community sporting facility where locals, particularly young people, can gather, exercise and strengthen social connections. The original target of $300,000 was exceeded, with donations reaching more than $400,000 and the campaign continuing toward a higher goal.

Simon’s brother Paul Baccanello said the project represented the spirit of his brother, who was known for bringing people together and creating strong relationships within the community. Family members said they wanted Simon to be remembered for the positive impact he had rather than only the circumstances of his death.

Elliston Area School principal Chad Fleming joined supporters of the relay and said the response from participants and the wider community had been overwhelming. He described the planned facility as a legacy that would continue Simon’s commitment to health, wellbeing and supporting children.

The relay attracted participants from different backgrounds, including friends, community members and professionals who wanted to show their support. The journey included challenging weather conditions, long distances and overnight stops before reaching Elliston.

For many locals, the event also represented healing after a difficult period for the region. The shark attack changed the relationship many residents had with the ocean, but the community has worked to rebuild connections and create positive outcomes from the loss.

Simon was remembered as someone who encouraged students, supported community sport and had a strong passion for surfing and the outdoors. His contribution to Elliston, despite living in the region for a relatively short period, left a lasting impression on many people.

The new sporting facility will serve as a reminder of Simon’s values and provide future generations with a place focused on fitness, wellbeing and community connection.

The Bucky’s Beach Relay demonstrates how a small regional community can transform grief into action, using generosity and teamwork to create a lasting legacy.