Anthony Albanese pays homage to the victims of Westfield Bondi Junction for a year after the tragedy.
Joel Kouch, 40, killed Ashley Goode, 38, Jade Young, 47, Ixan Chen, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Faraz Tahalil, 30, and injured 10 more people on April 13, 2024 at Westfield Bondy Junction.
“For a year after the horrific attack at Westfield Bondy Junction, we have paused and remember those whose lives were stolen on Saturday.
“This should not be an anniversary. They should still be here with all the hopes, dreams and joys that are the essence of life, being still in their family, friends and community.”
Albanese also paid tribute to the courage of their first responders, including shop staff and shoppers.
“In fear, people were tested in ways they never imagined, but their first instinct was to help each other: to provide comfort, compassion and protection to friends and strangers,” he said.
“In the next few days, we saw a community united in grief and reaffirmed the core truth for all of us. That love is greater than hatred.”
New South Wales Prime Minister Chris Mins said at the Seven sunrise that family and friends of six victims “are undoubtedly.” [be] Thinking about what their loved ones have achieved in the last 12 months and what they had before them. ”
“The commonality between all six killed is that they are ambitious, cheerful, optimistic people who seem to have a world at their feet. This tragedy is even more tragic for Sydney and those people.”
Minds said there will be “a complete investigation and investigation.”
The five-week investigation at the New South Wales Coroner's Court will begin on April 28th.
“I know people want answers. We need to do everything we can to ensure that it never happens again, and the state and the authorities need to learn lessons,” Mins said.
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“The memories and trauma of the day will never be forgotten,” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said in a statement.
“Today, we remember the victim of one of the most horrifying events in Australia's history. Our hearts are with families who continue to endure unimaginable grief and do their best to continue,” she said.
She said hundreds of people, including police, paramedics and civilians, were “first responders on this horrifying day.”
“They are heroes, and can only be described as meaningless tragedy, putting their lives at risk to save the victim and to care for the injured,” she said.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said in a statement: “I remember the six innocent people who were taken away from us. I honor the survivors whose courage and recovery continue to inspire us, and I am grateful to the everyday Australians who have done extraordinary things in the face of fear.”
He said a year ago, Australians “seek the very worst of humanity, but also the best.”
“We saw compassion. We saw courage. We saw victory in the human spirit. We thank the paramedics, hospital staff, police and emergency services that saved our lives by courage and professionalism,” he said.
Photos from the community's reactions days after the attack and from the candlelight vigils are included on a commemorative display board temporarily installed at nearby Oxford Street Mall.
The owner of the shopping centre places a flower tribute inside the centre.
Mins and NSW Gov. Margaret Beasley, along with local mayor William Nemesh and other officials, will be laying flowers on the scene on Sunday.
Welfare support personnel will be available as the community is invited to reflect on the tragedy.
