This morning, volunteers have begun gathering at Sydney’s Martin Place to remove the extensive floral tribute established there last week, after the tragic deaths of two hostages in a siege at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe.
Overnight, in a Facebook post, NSW Premier Mike Baird said that the cards and flowers would be taken away ahead of forecast wet weather, after consultation with the families of Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson.
Per a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, it is thought that there may be up to 100,000 bouquets of flowers at Martin Place, and a combination of SES, Rural Fire Service and Red Cross volunteers are removing them.
The flowers will be clean mulched and used on a site to be determined in the future, while cards, notes of condolence and other tributes will all be preserved.
Baird noted that there is an online condolence book, which can be signed here. Those wishing to do more are also invited to donate to the Katrina Dawson Foundation and beyondblue.
The messages on the cards will be digitised and sent to the victims’ families, who will also receive copies of the concolence books. A memorial will be established at a later time.
Photo: Cole Bennetts via Getty Images
