The family of one of the Bondi stabbing attack victims has said “there are no words to describe” their loss, while the community prepares for a candlelight vigil to honour those killed.
Sydney architect Jade Young was killed in the stabbing attack on Saturday, with her family today releasing a statement on a crowdfunding campaign started by one of her friends.
“There are no words to describe the sense of loss, sadness and grief Jade’s family have been experiencing after the shocking events at Bondi Junction,” the family said.
“The entire family is still in shock and coming to terms with the loss of Jade, with two of the family members directly involved at the time of the fatal attack on their beautiful daughter, wife and mother of two.
“Jade was a special soul and she touched so many lives. We want to thank those friends and community members who have stepped in with offers of help and donations.”
Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil has been scheduled for this weekend to honour the victims.
People have been invited to bring their own candles to the memorial, which will be held from 5.30pm on Sunday at Dolphin Court, Bondi Beach.
Waverley Council mayor Paula Masselos said there would be a one-minute silence in honour of those whose lives were lost.
“Our community is deep in grief and this is a time to support each other and stand together,” she said.
“This vigil will be an opportunity to reflect and commence healing.”
The centre has been closed since Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured a dozen more in a stabbing spree just after 3pm on Saturday.
Six patients remain in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries, while a few others have been released.
One of the women injured has moved from ICU at St Vincent’s Hospital to the ward and is in a stable condition, while a male patient is also in a stable condition at the same facility.
Two patients remain at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – a woman in ICU in a serious but stable condition, and a man in a stable condition.
The nine-month-old baby of victim Ashlee Good remains at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick in a serious but stable condition, after being moved from the ICU to the ward yesterday.
A female patient remains at the Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition.
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The NSW Government said they would continue to work with Waverley Council to support the community event, including ensuring services such as counsellors and mental health first aid are available on site.
“This has been a devastating attack that’s touched everybody in the state, whether you knew one of the victims or not,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“This vigil will be an opportunity for the community to stand together to support and honour the victims and survivors of this horrific tragedy.
“I hope they can draw some strength from the fact that there’s many people that are standing with them during this time.”
People are encouraged to catch public transport to and from the vigil.
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