Love flows for CBD massacre victims
JESS Mudie has been remembered as a “bad ass” and “bubble of joy” as tributes for her and fellow Melbourne rampage victims grow.
National
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FAMILIES and friends of the Bourke St massacre victims shared precious photographs and memories of their loved ones yesterday, as the fallout from Friday’s tragedy continued to sweep Victoria.
Matthew Si, 33, Jess Mudie 22, and 10-year-old Thalia Hakin were all killed on Bourke St on Friday.
Ms Mudie, 22, a consultant for insurance broker Marsh, was visiting from Sydney.
Her family remembered her as a “bright bubble of joy” who had an “extravagant humour” and always laughed at her own jokes.
“You will always be a part of us and are one of the strongest people we know,” they said.
“We are constantly inspired by your love for everyone around you and the lengths you will go to for the people you love.”
Photographs of Ms Mudie revealed a family-oriented woman who enjoyed socialising and fitness.
Her family’s statement said Ms Mudie was a “bad ass” who had not been afraid to tell it like it was.
“You are always up to do everything,” the statement said. “You are strong, beautiful, determined, always work hard to get what you want and never shy away from a challenge.
“You are so headstrong and assertive in everything that you do, your love for your family and friends is immense, and you are always there when any one needs support.”
The tribute finished with a quote from the film Pride and Prejudice: “There is a stubbornness about me that can never bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”
The CEO at Marsh, Ms Mudie’s employer, said: “We were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of our dear colleague.
“Although with us for just under a year, she had already won the admiration and friendship of those she worked with and had a bright future ahead of her.”
Friends took to social media to pay tribute.
“Such devastation. The entire community knew Jess and it’s affected everybody who had the privilege of knowing her and her amazing family. I just have no words ... R.I.P. Jess, beautiful girl,” Abbi Delaney said.
Libby Ritchie posted “Completely devastating” under a tribute photo.
Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners gathered last night at a Jewish service in St Kilda East to honour one of the youngest killed on Friday.
Thalia Hakin was just 10.
Her principal, Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler, said the community was “heartbroken” by the loss of the friendly Beth Rivkah College pupil.
Her mother, Nathalie, was still fighting for life in hospital.
Younger sister Maggie, aged 9, also in hospital, was being supported by dad Tony.
Rabbi Smukler said the community worried about how Maggie would cope without her older sister.
“(Thalia) was a really doting and caring older sister,” he said.
“She would come and check on her sister every day.”
Thalia, who was due to start grade 5 next month, was remembered as a popular pupil who had made friends with children across different year levels.
“She was a really sweet kid ... humble, caring, friendly,” Rabbi Smukler said.
Among the attendees last night were children in Scoutuniforms, Goldstein MP Tim Wilson and Melbourne Ports MP Michael Danby.
Friends of Thalia have started a fundraising page for the family.
Earlier, Caulfield MP David Southwick had placed a teddy bear at the memorial site in Bourke St.
“Thalia should be playing with that bear,” he said outside last night’s service. “Tonight is a show of support.”
Friends were also mourning the death of a 25-year-old Japanese man, who was understood to have been living in Australia for about a year and was studying in Melbourne.
Mr Si had been eating lunch with wife Melinda just minutes before he was hit.
Mrs Si was “shattered”, but thankful to those who tried to save her husband.
“Matt was a devoted husband and a loving father, brother and son,” Mrs Si said.
“The family would like to thank everyone who helped Matt at the scene and did their best to save him.”
The death toll from the carnage rose to five at the weekend, with the tragic loss of a three-month-old boy.
Two people still remained in a critical condition at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and another person was listed as being in a serious condition.
Five were in a stable condition. Two patients were discharged on Saturday.
At the Royal Children’s Hospital, a child, 2, remained in a serious condition, and a nine-year-old was stable. Two women, aged 37 and 33, and two men, aged 37 and 31, remained in a stable condition.
One of the men had surgery yesterday. Two others were discharged.
At the Alfred hospital, one person was listed as in a serious condition, while five others were stable last night.
Fund started for victims ahead of vigil
The Bourke St fund has been set up, with Premier Daniel Andrews stressing 100 per cent of the fund would go towards helping victims.
The government has already donated $100,000 to the victims’ fund.
Victorians wishing to donate to the fund can do so by donating to:
Westpac Banking Corporation
Name of account: Bourke Street Fund
BSB: 033 009
Account Number: 668251
People can also phone 1800 226 226 for advice on how to donate.
More details here: vic.gov.au/bourkestreet
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