‘Remember them’: Albo’s message for Bondi Junction heroes and victims

Anthony Albanese has delivered a heartfelt tribute to the victims and heroes of the Westfield Bondi Junctions attacks, one year on from the tragedy.

Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to the heroes and victims of the Westfield Bondi Junction killings, urging Australians to: “remember them today and every single day.”

Sunday marks one year since Joel Cauchi went on a rampage through the shopping centre in Sydney’s east, fatally stabbing six and injuring another 10 in an event that shook the nation.

Cauchi, 40, was armed with a large hunting knife before he was shot dead by hero cop Amy Scott, who ran headlong into danger.

Cheng Yixuan, Pikria Darchia, Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Ashlee Good and security guard Faraz Tahir were killed during a frenzied, indiscriminate attack that lasted three minutes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led a tribute to the victims and those affected by the Bondi Junction stabbings. Picture: Supplied.

Bondi stabbing victims Jade Young, Ashlee Good, Dawn Singleton, Cheng Yixuan, Faraz Ahmed Tahir and Pikria Darchia.

Sunday is expected to be a day of grieving for the victim’s families and the broader community.

“One year on from the horrific attack at Westfield Bondi Junction, we pause to remember those whose lives were stolen on what should have been just another Saturday,” Mr Albanese said in a video message.

“Hold on to all they were and all they had ahead of them.

“This should not be an anniversary.

“They should still be here – with their families, their friends and in their communities, with all their hopes and dreams and joys that are the very essence of life.”

“As we grieve them, we think of everyone who wakes each morning and feels the pain of their loss anew.

“Their hearts irrevocably tied to that day when the world was upended and normality was taken from them.”

An inquest, due to begin later this month, will examine the tragedy and the actions of Cauchi, who had struggled with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, for most of his life.

A public commemoration in the Bondi Junction mall. Picture: NewsWire/John Appleyard.

The Prime Minister encouraged Australians to think of those affected by the tragedy, including staff at Westfield Bondi Junction and first responders.

He described it as a day that “cruelty was met with courage”.

“Amid the terror, people were tested in ways they had never imagined, yet their first instinct was to help each other,” he said.

“To offer comfort, compassion and protection to friend and stranger alike. And some even ran towards the danger.

“In the hours and days that followed, we saw a community united in grief, reaffirming for all of us a core truth: that love is greater than hate.

“The memories of those who didn’t come home one year ago live on in the love they created, and in the hearts that they touched.

“Remember them today and every single day.”

Originally published as ‘Remember them’: Albo’s message for Bondi Junction heroes and victims