In brief
At the University of Wollongong, a memorial service commemorated Chinese student Jiang Antong, who lost his life in 2023 attempting to rescue Australian classmate Justin Peng. The ceremony highlighted Jiang’s bravery and the enduring friendship between Australia and China, and noted his posthumous Commendation for Brave Conduct. The university also announced a scholarship in his name and held memorial football matches.
On October 30, 2026, the University of Wollongong held a memorial ceremony for Jiang Antong, a Chinese student who drowned in 2023 while attempting to rescue Australian classmate Justin Peng in the sea off Wollongong.
The ceremony gathered Jiang’s parents, former classmates and people from China and Australia beneath a tree planted in his memory, where flowers were laid before a memorial stone. The event marked the third anniversary of the incident that took place on October 29, 2023, when Jiang plunged into a rip current to save Peng from Fairy Meadow Beach.
Justin Peng, whose life was saved, said to Xinhua that "I feel like I've been given a second chance at life." He credited Jiang’s sacrifice as giving him the courage to face future difficulties.
I feel like I've been given a second chance at life.
Jiang’s father, Jiang Yu, reflected that his son’s actions evidenced a habitual kindness and willingness to help others. He recalled incidents such as Jiang calling an ambulance for a classmate and staying in the hospital overnight.
Australia’s Governor‑General announced the 2026 bravery awards on September 1, posthumously granting Jiang the Commendation for Brave Conduct. The University of Wollongong has since established a scholarship in his name and organized memorial football matches to honor his legacy.
