Love flows for CBD massacre victims
LATEST: MELBURNIANS were overcome with emotion as they paid tribute to the victims of the Bourke St massacre.
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LATEST: MELBURNIANS were overcome with emotion as they paid tribute to the victims of the Bourke St massacre on Monday morning.
Families and friends of the victims shared precious photographs and memories of their loved ones, 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.
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.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced changes to bail laws after the tragedy.
Magistrates will be available at night and on weekends to hear bail applications.
The Bourke St memorial to the victims has grown to such a size that GPO wants to move the floral tributes up onto the building’s steps.
The bed of flowers, cards and teddy bears now stretches around four metres from the building’s edge, meaning passers by are struggling to get around the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth.
The building is just waiting on assistance from the City of Melbourne to carry out the delicate task.
One worker said it would be nicer for people to be able to look up at the memorial and for items like teddy bears to have cover from rain forecast later today.
The mood is sombre and quiet on what should be a bustling day in the city as many Melburnians go back to work today.
The Herald Sun witnessed a businessman sit on the steps of the GPO in tears, overcome with emotion.
A FUND HAS BEEN STARTED TO RAISE MONEY FOR THOSE HIT BY THE TRAGEDY. FIND HOW TO DONATE BELOW
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A young stranger moved closer to the man and placed a hand on his right shoulder — a simple gesture of reassurance not uncommon at the memorial this morning.
The two men sat in silence for a few minutes, taking solace in the kindness of strangers.
One city office worker David told the Herald Sun he’d seen the floral tributes on the news but this morning was his first time into the city since the tragic incident.
“It’s so different actually being down here,” he said.
“So many people stopping and praying, it’s quite an amazing site.”
Families have paid tribute to loved ones lost in the tragedy.
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.”
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.
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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.
STRANGERS GATHER TO MOURN MELBOURNE’S LOST
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.”
The death toll from the carnage rose to five at the weekend, with the tragic loss of a three-month-old boy.
Premier Daniel Andrews said this morning two people remained in a critical condition.
“We have grave fears for their health and wellbeing,” he said.
Another person is 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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