Australia to unite for national day of mourning to honour victims killed in Bondi Beach terror attack

Australia will mark a national day of mourning on Thursday for the victims killed in last year’s Bondi Beach terror attack. A moment of silence in the evening will be accompanied by the illumination of major buildings across the country in a “symbol of light”. The national day was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday, alongside the theme ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance’ chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi. “It will be an opportunity for us to pay respects as a nation to those people who lost their lives,” Mr Albanese said. Here is what you need to know about how you can pay your respect to the victims of Bondi. Events planned for national day of mourning Major buildings in NSW and Canberra will glow with light in remembrance of the attack and to show that unity overcomes division. Across the country a commemorative installation called 15 pillars of light will “serve a visible symbol of mourning, remembrance and national solidarity”, according to the federal government. Flags will fly at half-mast on all federal and NSW government buildings and establishments as a mark of national respect. All other organisations and jurisdictions are being encouraged to do the same. A national memorial service organised by the Chabad of Bondi will take place at 7pm and will be livestreamed on the organisation’s YouTube channel and on Sky News. The prime minister and NSW premier Chris Minns will speak at the event. In Melbourne, leaders from many different faiths will gather for a special vigil at St Paul’s Cathedral. How to take part in remembering Bondi The Prime Minister is calling on all Australians to observe a national minute of silence at 7:01pm AEDT on Thursday to honour the 15 victims. Major TV and radio networks will pause their broadcasts to lead the nation in this moment of reflection. Families across the country are invited to place a candle on their doorstep or windows as a “symbol of light” and gesture of national solidarity with the Jewish community. To promote unity, Australians are encouraged undertake one of the 15 suggested Mitvah. A Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and a moral responsibility. These include sharing a meal with family, friends or neighbours, checking in on the sick or unwell, donating to charity, or simply greeting others with warmth and positivity. A personal tribute or message of support can also be left in the official Bondi Beach online condolence book. This digital memorial will allow people from across the country to share their grief and stand with the families of the fallen. The day of mourning will not be a public holiday and is the first time Australia has observed a national day of mourning since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.