Today marks one year since six people were fatally stabbed and ten were injured on April 13, 2024 when Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing rampage in the busy Sydney shopping centre.
In a statement, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to the “heroes” who helped and those tragically killed during the horrific killing spree.
“Our hearts are with their families who continue to endure unimaginable grief and do their best to carry on,” Webb said today.
“Hundreds of people, including police, paramedics, and civilians, were all first responders on this horrific day.
“They are heroes, risking their own lives in an effort to save victims and nurse the wounded during what can only be described as a senseless tragedy.”
Webb added: “The memory and the trauma of this day will never be forgotten.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns, the Waverly Council and the Scentre Group, which owns Westfield, will observe the first anniversary at Bondi Junction today.
Officials and emergency services representatives will lay floral bouquets at the commemorative display boards that have been installed at Oxford Street Mall.
The display, which will remain in place until April 16, will share photos and messages and will be a space for people to reflect on the tragedy.
Cauchi’s victims were: 25-year-old Dawn Singleton, 27-year-old Yixuan Cheng, 30-year-old Faraz Tahir, 38-year-old Ashlee Good, 47-year-old Jade Young and 55-year-old Pikria Darchia.
”Hold on to all they were and all they had ahead of them. This should not be an anniversary,” he said.
“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.”
