The mother of a woman killed in the Bondi Junction attack said her family’s lives “have been fractured” forever during a heartbreaking tribute at her funeral today.
Hundreds of loved ones gathered to farewell Jade Young, who was murdered in the Bondi Junction attack on April 13.
Young’s mother, Elizabeth, told family and friends gathered at the Sydney Botanic Gardens that her “glorious, loving, soft-hearted, hard-working daughter” was killed while shopping for a child’s birthday present.
“My granddaughter aged nine would have been skipping alongside her… and then at 3.20-ish, Jade Young was attacked and killed out right in front of her daughter,” she said.
“Our lives have been fractured there will be no back to normal.”
She also called for change in the wake of the attack.
“Never again do I want to read the word tragic or tragedy associated with the perpetrator of the murder of my daughter,” she said.
“He came prepared, he had an intention, he was a killer who slipped past Westfield security making a shopping centre the most dangerous place on earth for Jade.”
Elizabeth later called for “politicians both federal and state to address the gaps in mental health care to make it a safer world for our girls and all Australians”.
Young’s family said in a statement earlier today her loss had shattered their world.
“While we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and the community, Jade’s death has left a gaping hole in our lives.
“Her children were her life, and we do not want their future to be shaped by her death.
“Today’s memorial at the Calyx is a celebration of Jade’s life and we know many in our community loved her.”
Young’s workplace, Georgina Wilson Associates (GWA), paid tribute to their “beautiful” colleague on social media in the aftermath of the attack.
“Jade was a part of our GWA team for over 12 years – she was family,” the Double Bay-based architecture studio posted on Instagram.
“Anyone who knew Jade knew what a beautiful, kind and warm soul she was.
“We are completely devastated. All our love goes out to her family. We love you Jade.”
Embrace for Westfield victim’s friend in beach tribute
The incident also left a dozen people injured, five of whom remain in hospital in a stable condition.
A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign has also been set up to financially support Young’s family as they grieve.
