Daily London
At 6.47pm AEDT, exactly one week since the first shots rang out, people across the country and at Bondi are being urged to light a candle and observe a minute’s silence.
TV and radio networks will also be asked to participate in the minute’s silence.
“Sixty seconds carved out from the noise of daily life, dedicated to 15 Australians who should be with us today,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“It will be a moment of pause to reflect and affirm that hatred and violence will never define us as Australians.”
All flags on NSW and Australian government buildings will be flown at half-mast in a mark of respect for the lives lost and to commemorate the shared grief.
Bondi will reflect on and pay tribute to the victims of the attack with the addition of a light display, which will beam a ray of light into the sky from Bondi Pavilion.
The NSW government said it will support Jewish leaders to deliver a community memorial event today too.
Thousands of people are expected to keep vigil at Bondi today, including the prime minister.
There will also be a strong police presence at the beach to keep mourners safe.
“The National Day of Reflection will be observed on the final day of Chanukah, a time traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, making the loss felt by the Jewish community even more profound,” Albanese said.
“The Commonwealth and state government will also work closely with the Jewish community on arrangements for a National Day of Mourning to be held in the New Year.
“This will allow families the time and space to lay their loved ones to rest and to support those still recovering.”
There will be multiple community vigils held across the country at 6.47pm today, including a candle-lighting ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.
