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Family of Bondi Junction victim’s announce touching act

The family of the Bondi Junction hero security guard have announced an initiative in his name and they hope it will save lives.

Mudasar Tahir recounts his brother's heroic last act
NewsWire

The family of the hero security guard killed during the Bondi Junction stabbings has launched an appeal for Australians to donate the gift of life in his name.

On the eve of the anniversary of the horrific stabbings, the family of Faraz Tahir launched a public blood donation initiative in his name.

The Pakistani national was working his first day shift as a security guard at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13 last year when Joel Cauchi went on a murderous rampage, killing the 30-year-old, Cheng Yixuan, 27, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, and Ashlee Good, 38.

His family on Saturday announced “Faraz’s gift”, which they described as an “act of collective generosity” intended to uphold the memories of the victims.

Faraz Tahir was on of six victims killed during the Bondi Junction attack.
Faraz Tahir was on of six victims killed during the Bondi Junction attack.

They said that donating blood can save up to three lives - an ideal they said was reflected in Faraz’s actions that day.

“Faraz selflessly gave his blood in an attempt to save the lives of his fellow Australians, his brothers and sisters in humanity,” his eldest brother Musafar Tahir said.

“In a similar spirit, though on a significantly lesser scale, we encourage the community to donate blood.

“This collective effort exemplifies our shared unity, values, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Australians.”

Faraz’s brothers Musafar Tahir and Sheraz Tahir speaking outside the Lidcombe Coroner’s Court earlier this year. Picture: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard
Faraz’s brothers Musafar Tahir and Sheraz Tahir speaking outside the Lidcombe Coroner’s Court earlier this year. Picture: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Mr Tahir fled persecution in Pakistan in 2019 before making Australia his home.

He was a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association and his loved ones say he was passionate about charitable and volunteer efforts such as Red Cross blood donation drives, Clean Up Australia Day and tree planting.

His family describe “Faraz’s gift” as a campaign which matches his dedication to helping others.

They are encouraging members of the public to donate blood at their local hospital as a way to honour the victims of the Bondi Junction tragedy.

A coronial inquest into the fatal attack is slated to begin on April 28 and is scheduled to run for five weeks.

Steve Zemek
Steve ZemekCourt reporter

Steve Zemek began his career in his native Queensland before moving to Sydney with Australian Associated Press in 2014. He worked as an NRL journalist for five seasons, covering the game all over Australia and in New Zealand before making a career pivot towards court reporting in 2019. He joined NCA NewsWire in mid 2020 as a Sydney-based court reporter where he has covered some of the state's biggest cases.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/family-of-bondi-junction-victims-announce-touching-act/news-story/5bc269b38e6bea606f332288a25ad307