Sydney’s surfing community came together to honour those killed in the Westfield Bondi Junction massacre in a collective “moment of reflection” as the city continues to grieve one of its darkest days.
More than 100 board riders gathered before dawn on Tuesday to take part in a “paddle out” to remember the six victims of the stabbing attack.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sydney surfing community takes part in paddle out for Bondi Junction massacre victims.
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The surfers, many of whom paddled from Bronte to join the effort, formed a circle off the coast of Bondi, some joining hands as they held a minute of silence.
Members from 12 surf clubs took part, with many sporting their brightly coloured rashies as they came together in reflection.
“Bondi is a National Surfing Reserve, the ocean is our home, playground, competition zone and a place of solitude,” Bondi Surf Club said.
“We all frequent our shores for multiple reasons on our own, for shared experiences with our families and friends, our clubs and for community events.
“Our community from Bondi to Bronte, along with Waverley Council Lifeguards are joining together to support each other in this paddle out for the victims of the Bondi Junction attack.”
Organiser Vicky Austin said the ocean was a focal point for the community, making it a fitting location to say farewell.
“Everyone’s feeling the after effects of Bondi Junction and it was just a way for us as a community to come together in solidarity in the ocean we all love,” she told ABC TV.
“We play, we compete, and we come here for solace and I think it’s our way to say goodbye to those that we have lost.
“It’s solidarity and mateship and what we’re all about.”
Anyone not comfortable in the water was invited to join the community back on the beach, where they expressed their “deepest gratitude to the selfless members of the public that helped, the first responders and the survivors”.
The reflection came as the thousands of floral tributes dedicated to the victims of the attack were removed on Tuesday, with the cards and notes to be preserved and archived.
Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos said it was “absolutely essential” to keep the messages that have been left, honouring the lives lost.
Victims’ families will be invited to read them all once they are archived.
The usual bustling Bondi reflected a more sombre scene on Sunday evening, as hundreds of community members gathered at a candlelight vigil for those affected by the massacre.
A new mother, the daughter of a multimillionaire entrepreneur, and an artist were among those killed when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13.
Five of the victims were women — Ashlee Good, 38; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; student Yixuan Cheng, 27; and artist Pikria Darchia, 55.
Security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, was also murdered in the attack.
At least 12 others, including Good’s nine-month-old baby girl, were hospitalised with serious injuries. Four of them remain in hospital.
Victims mourned
Loved ones will gather to farewell Young, a mother and architect, at a service at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney later on Tuesday.
Mourners have been urged to wear colour in memory of the “dearly loved and irreplaceable wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and beloved friend to many”.
Ahead of the service, Young’s family said her death had “shattered our 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,” they said.
“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 family at the weekend thanked those who donated more than $235,000 to a fundraiser dedicated to helping her husband and two daughters deal with their grief.
“Ensuring the financial security of the girls as they face a future without their mother is the family’s priority and they’ve been overwhelmed by people’s generosity,” Adam McLaughlin said.
Tahir will be laid to rest on Friday at a mosque in Marsden Park in Sydney’s northwest.
A formal memorial service will be held at a later date, with plans for a permanent memorial to honour the victims.
– With AAP
