National Day of Reflection: Thousands gather at Bondi as rest of the country urged to take minute’s silence

Thousands of Australians and their families have come together to comfort each other in the spirit of Christmas in the wake of the Bondi terror attack as the enormous floral tribute at the beach pavilion is set to be respectfully dismantled. Saturday night’s Carols in the Domain went ahead with a more sombre approach, with the crowd of 30,000 told by presenters Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr the evening was “a small step towards finding a path forward for a nation in mourning”. The event began with an ensemble performance of Oh Come All Ye Faithful “If peace, love and tolerance are looking for a home in Sydney tonight, it will be right here, in the embrace of our community, in words, in song,” Barr said. Shirvington said the night was a chance “to pay our respects, to remember, to hold close those we love, show gratitude for what we have”. “And to say thanks to the heroes who stand between us and intolerance, no matter what the cost,” Barr said. Earlier, the Waverley Council, which manages the Bondi area, said the floral memorial would be removed and preserved from Monday, with assistance from the Australian Jewish Historical Society and the Sydney Jewish museum. “We will ensure photographs are captured and will collect a representation of materials from the floral tribute site to preserve and use in future memorial materials for the families as appropriate,” the council said in a statement. Those in WA have also been encouraged to pay respects as part of the National Day of Reflection on Sunday. The Temple David synagogue Mt Lawley is holding a remembrance ceremony for the victims from 10.30am, with attendees encouraged to wear white. Premier Roger Cook urged all West Australians “to reflect and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community”. “Flags at Western Australian government buildings will be flown at half-mast tomorrow, with buildings and bridges to be lit yellow. I urge all Western Australians to take the opportunity to reflect and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community,” he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday urged all Australians to put a light in their window and observe a minute’s silence at 6.47pm AEDT (3.37pm AWST) on Sunday as part of a National Day of Reflection. “Sixty seconds carved out from the noise of daily life dedicated to 15 Australians who should be with us today,” he said. “It will be a moment of pause to reflect and affirm that hatred and violence will never define us Australians.” Flags will be flown at half mast across Commonwealth buildings nationally, while at Bondi, lights will beam into the sky from the Pavilion. A fundraising appeal has also been established. Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said there would be also be a minute’s silence during the CBD Nativity concert. “On top of that during the week I requested flowers be sent to Government House,” he said. “I have also written letters to the Lord Mayor of Sydney and the Mayor of Waverley (Bondi), as well as letters of support to the Presidents of the Jewish community in both Sydney and Perth. “In addition, I have signed the condolence book at Government House, and posted messages of condolence on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. “Council House flags have been flown at half-mast, and Council House this week was lit in support.”