Key Points
- Six died and six remain in hospital after Joel Cauchi, 40, went on a stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction on 13 April.
- Mourners gathered at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening for a vigil.
- Plans are in place for a permanent memorial to honour the victims.
The pavilion’s flag flew at half mast as the crowd filed in, some wearing black ribbons in mourning, many opting for a seat on the grass hill rather than the plastic chairs closer to the stage.
Several attended a candlelight vigil for victims of the Bondi stabbing attack on Sunday. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP
NSW Governor Margaret Beazley lit the first candle on stage, followed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns.
It will take time for the Waverley community to come to terms with the events, Masselos said. “We are all in mourning … but let me say this – our spirit must not and will not be diminished,” she said.
The baby will continue to receive care from clinicians after being discharged from Sydney Children’s Hospital, but has been allowed to go home, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said on Sunday.
Family and friends of the Bondi attack victims were among those gathered at the candlelight vigil. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins
Five of the six killed were women — Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Yixuan Cheng, 27.
The vigil offered a chance to grieve for the victims, and for those left behind to begin coming to terms with the hole left in their lives where their loved ones should be, Albanese said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the dignitaries who lit candles at a vigil at Bondi Beach. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins
“We keep this vigil for them, to honour all they were, and to pay respect for all they meant,” he said.
The vigil came after the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre re-opened for trade on Friday, and carried the same eerie silence that fell over the usually bustling shopping centre during a day of community reflection on Thursday.
Inspector Amy Scott (centre) joined crowds at the vigil. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins
Earlier, Dutton said there was a gender-based violence crisis in Australia following the Bondi attack, backing calls for a royal commission examining the issue.
“The computer games young boys are playing where violence is a very significant part of what’s being enforced into their minds on a regular basis.”
“But you can’t have events like the last week occur and not rethink what might be needed.”
Mourners light their candles at a candlelight vigil at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP
A temporary floral tribute remains in place at Oxford St Mall in Bondi Junction. A formal memorial service will be held at a later date and there are plans for a permanent memorial to honour the victims.
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Tyler Mitchell