People line up as Bondi Junction Westfield reopens for first time since deadly stabbing attack

The mood was sombre in Sydney this morning as crowds of people lined up for an important but heartbreaking reason.

Aussies lined up out the front of Bondi Junction Westfield today as it reopened after the tragic massacre that rocked the country.

Dozens of people lined up out the front of the shopping centre on Thursday before it opened its doors at 11am for a “community reflection day”, five days after the mass stabbing that claimed the lives of six people

Queensland man Joel Cauchi, 40, stabbed 18 people – including 15 women and a nine-month-old baby girl – during a violent rampage at the shopping centre on Saturday afternoon.

He was shot dead by hero NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.

Joel Cauchi went on a deadly rampage in Bondi Junction on Saturday. Picture: X

Six people were killed in the attack and a further 12 were injured.

People were lining up outside Westfield Bondi Junction on Thursday morning. Picture: Mary Madigan/news.com.au

Speaking from inside the Westfield today, one woman said she was returning to the centre with her toddler because she works here and wanted to get used to going inside again after the tragic events.

Another man said he felt compelled to come today because “everyone in Sydney has been to Bondi Junction at some point”.

He noted it felt “weird” to be here but he thought it was important the victims didn’t go “unseen”.

Similarly, a young woman that works down the road in nearby Eastgate shopping centre told news.com.au she was here today to “pay her respects” she also noted it felt like the “safest” day to return to the shopping centre because of the police presence.

Members of the public visited the centre to pay their respects to the victims of the tragic attack. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

A woman seen wiping away tears as she leaves the centre. Picture: Rohan Kelly

It was a sombre scene as people walked through the centre for the first time since the massacre.

Some had tears in their eyes as they walked through the areas where shoppers had been attacked.

Others kept on stoic faces as they wandered through the centre. Some gathered in groups to share their grief, others walked alone.

No matter the expressions on people’s faces, one thing was very clear: The people that turned up were there to pay their respects to and mourn those that have been lost.

Scentre Group chief executive Elliott Rusanow announced on Wednesday there would be no retail trade at the Westfield when doors reopened on Thursday, instead, the public will be allowed to visit to pay their respects.

Counselling and services will be on site to provide the necessary help before normal trading hours resume on Friday, though some stores may choose not to reopen.

A floral memorial is seen for the victims who lost their lives in Saturday’s attack at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Bianca De Marchi

Black ribbons were seen throughout the shopping centre as part of the memorial for the victims. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

“This has been a very difficult time and I want to acknowledge the hard work and tireless efforts of our Westfield Bondi and Scentre Group teams,” Mr Rusanow said.

“They have been working through conditions which have been devastating in their minds and in all our minds.

“The centre will be quiet, allow for reflection to occur as members of the community are able to come and pay their respects.”

A further candlelight vigil, supported by Waverley Council and the NSW government, will be held on Sunday to allow the community to “come together and honour the victims of the Bondi Junction tragedy”.

It will begin at 5.30pm at Dolphin Court on Bondi Beach – south of the Bondi Pavilion.

– with NCA Newswire

Originally published as People line up as Bondi Junction Westfield reopens for first time since deadly stabbing attack