A St George primary school community has rallied around its deputy principal, Leah Stewart, following a tragic shark attack at Coogee Beach that has left her fighting for her life.

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Mrs Stewart was swimming within the flags close to the shore on the morning of June 13 when she was attacked, sustaining severe, life-threatening injuries. Her brother, Joshua, who launched an online fundraiser to support her recovery, revealed that she suffered multiple bites across her arms and legs, lacerations, fractures, and extreme blood loss. She remains in a critical condition on life support at St Vincent's Hospital, where she has undergone multiple surgeries, including the amputation of her arm.

Following the incident, Hurstville Adventist School, where Mrs Stewart serves as deputy principal, released a statement expressing their devastation. The school described her as a much-loved teacher and a valued member of their community, noting that they are providing support to students, staff, and families while requesting privacy for the Stewart family.

The community has responded with an overwhelming wave of generosity, raising about $370,000 within days of the attack. Her family described the mother of a one-year-old daughter as a passionate teacher and a Coogee local who loves the ocean. The funds raised will assist with her extensive rehabilitation, prosthetics, and the continuing care required for her long recovery. The family also extended their sincere thanks to the lifesavers, first responders, helicopter crew, and the medical team at St Vincent's Hospital for their critical care.

Following the attack by a suspected great white shark, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced a new arrangement allowing Surf Life Saving NSW to fly surveillance drones under the Sydney Airport flight path at Coogee Beach, a zone where they were previously restricted.

Mr Minns said shark nets will remain in use, particularly during summer periods, to mitigate risks. While he said there was a slight increase in the number of great white sharks in the ocean, he ruled out a cull, saying he is not convinced that culling great whites would make a difference. Mr Minns said he was "concerned it will give false confidence" to the public, and reiterated that the great white remains a threatened and legally protected species. But he did not rule out a cull of bull sharks.