The conditions of six people who remain in hospital after the deadly stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction have improved, authorities say.
Saturday marked a week since Joel Cauchi, 40, killed five women and a security guard and stabbed 12 other innocent bystanders in Sydney’s busy eastern shopping centre.
Two men, three women and a nine-month-old baby remain in hospital.
As of Saturday, all had improved to a stable condition, according to NSW Health.
A candlelight vigil taking place on Sunday will give Sydney residents the opportunity to come together and reflect on what has been a “terrible week”.
Tributes flow as shoppers return to Westfield shopping center in Bondi Junction a week after stab attack
Tributes continue to flow as shoppers return to Westfield Bondi Junction a week after the tragedy.
The vigil begins at Bondi Beach from 5pm on Sunday.
“I think if we can stay together through the difficult periods, we can send the message that there are many more good people in this city than there are bad actors and that there is evil,” said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.
“Those who have lost loved ones have unanimously said that they can feel the support of the community behind them and that they know they are not alone.”
The prime minister said he had learned more about the six victims who died during the attack last week, and that their loved ones described them all as “hopeful and optimistic people.”
They were new mother Ashlee Good, 38, future wife Dawn Singleton, 25, daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton, mother of two, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, the Chinese national Yixuan Cheng, 27, a security guard. Faraz Tahir, 30 years old.
“One thing they all had in common was that they seemed like hopeful, optimistic people who were focused on tomorrow, and losing that sense of potential adds to the stress and pain that these families have,” Minns told reporters.
Westfield Bondi Junction security guards now wear protective vests
He said Sunday’s vigil would be a great opportunity to “support those who have lost loved ones and remember those who have been murdered.”
Counselors and support services have been made available to emergency responders who were at the scene of multiple violent attacks this week.
“You can understand that the trauma associated with this will bring up a lot of emotions,” Mr Minns said.
“My hope is that mixed with that emotion is pride in the work they have done on behalf of the people of New South Wales, because when they were asked to stand up, they did exactly that.”
Attendees are urged to take public transportation to and from the event as there will be road closures.
The NSW Government will work with Waverley Council, Westfield and the victims’ families on plans for a permanent memorial.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
There is also an increased police presence at Bondi Junction Westfield.