Tributes have flowed in for the one-year anniversary of the tragic Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings, with New South Wales Chris Minns describing today as “dark” and “disturbing” for Sydneysiders.
On April 13, 2024, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing rampage in Bondi Junction’s Westfield Shopping Centre, ending the lives of Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Pikria Darchia, Yixuan Cheng and Faraz Tahir.
Within less than three minutes of Cauchi’s attack, the Queensland man stabbed 16 people before he was fatally shit by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.
A year on from the devastating incident, floral tributes and a memorial were unveiled at Westfield Bondi Junction in memory of the six innocent lives that were lost that day.
NSW Premier Chris Minns reflected on the tragic incident, describing it as a “dark” and “disturbing” day for Sydneysiders.
“They had their lives in front of them,” Minns told ABC News Breakfast.
“And it’s harrowing to think about what they would have achieved over the last 12 months, or what they’d achieve for the rest of their lives, and that’s what makes today a very dark and, I guess, disturbing day for many people.”
The Premier acknowledged the community’s resilience through the devastating tragedy and confirmed that a permanent memorial would be set up to commemorate the six lost lives.
“We need to do that with the families. We want to make sure that it’s appropriate, that it’s a place for them to come for quiet reflection, and that it doesn’t add to the pain that they’re feeling,” he added.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb released a statement, describing the Bondi Junction stabbings as “one of the most horrific events in Australian history”.
“Our hearts are with their families who continue to endure unimaginable grief and do their best to carry on,” she shared.
“Hundreds of people, including police, paramedics, and civilians, were all first responders on this horrific day.
“They are heroes, risking their own lives in an effort to save victims and nurse the wounded during what can only be described as a senseless tragedy.
“The memory and the trauma of this day will never be forgotten.”
On the eve of the anniversary, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings, urging the nation to “pause to remember those whose lives were stolen on what should have been just another Saturday”.
“Hold on to all they were and all they had ahead of them. This should not be an anniversary,” he said, per 9News.
“They should still be here – with their families, their friends and in their communities, with all their hopes and dreams and joys that are the very essence of life.”
An inquest into the tragedy is slated to take place from April 28 to May 30.
Support services will be available for the community from Sunday to Monday.
Help is available.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online. If it’s an emergency, please call 000.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Reach out to Headspace or Beyond Blue for support, or make an appointment with your GP.
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