Melburnians gather for Paris vigil at Federation Square

MORE than 3000 people stood as one during a candlelight vigil for the Paris terror attack victims in Melbourne.

Vigil for Parisian Terror Victims at Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia. French Flags fly at half mast as people have the peace symbol adaption sprayed onto their clothing. Picture: Tim Carrafa

MORE than 3000 people stood as one during a candlelight vigil for the Paris terror attack victims in Melbourne last night.

Families including dozens of small children packed into Federation Square holding French flags, candles and signs calling for peace.

Many arrived wearing white T-shirts as requested by organisers, which were then sprayed with art work featuring the Eiffel Tower in a peace sign.

“How many people need to die? What happened in Paris was a real tragedy,” organiser Laura Laffitte said to the crowd

“Today is about peace and harmony. We are in shock but we want to keep the positivity.”

Ms Laffitte urged the crowd to seek peace, unity and love.

“My prayers tonight goes out to Paris and all humans in this world.”

Deputy Premier James Merlino said Victorians condemned the attacks.

“We will not stand for terrorism,” he said.

The vigil observed a minute’s silence while John Lennon’s Imagine was played.

Crowds packed into Federation Square. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The crowd stood for a minute’s silence while John Lennon’s Imagine was played.

Some had personal links to the tragedy which has killed at least 132 people.

Renaud Jeoffray, from France, described his pain of hearing of the terror attacks as “shattering”.

“I don’t have words for what’s happened ... I’m just shocked,” he said.

“All my friends and family are safe but my heart breaks for those who lost their loved ones.

“What was it for? All the blood and death?

“What did it achieve?”

Parisian Lucy Blanchard, here on a working visa, spent Saturday in tears.

“I started to cry and cry and I couldn’t stop,” she said.

“I tried to reach my family and friends as soon as possible and I thank God they are all safe.”

Ms Blanchard said she knew people who had lost family members.

“I cannot think of what they are going through,” she said.

“When will there be peace in the world? When will we be united together?”

Melburnian Tom Raisbeck said he attended the vigil to show his love for the French community.

“I want them to know that they’re not alone in this ... when tragedy strikes, we come together,” he said.

Melburnians show their support for Paris at the Federation Square vigil. Picture: Tim Carrafa

People of all ages paid their respects. Picture: Tony Gough

Jihadists took out civilians across six different locations on Friday night, which ­included a concert hall, sports stadium Stade de France, cafes and a Cambodian restaurant.

In Sydney, hundreds of people, including Jewish and Muslim leaders, government MPs and French nationals, gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral to remember the victims of the terror attacks.

The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, said the mass would also be dedicated to the victims of the IS-claimed bombings in Beirut and Baghdad last week.

A light tribute was displayed on the cathedral facade after the service.

The Australian vigils were part of worldwide tributes to the victims.

Stirring renditions of the French national anthem La Marseillaise rang out from Dublin to New York as global landmarks were bathed in the French colours and thousands marched in solidarity.

Monuments from the Sydney Opera House to One World Trade Centre in New York were adorned with France’s red, white and blue, while the Peace for Paris symbol combining the city’s iconic Eiffel Tower with the peace sign of the 1960s went viral ­online.

See Herald Sun’s live coverage of the vigil below.

Crowds at Federation Square honouring those killed in the Paris attacks. Picture: Tony Gough