After a chilling week watching horror unfold with the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris, the events and following outpouring of support all too similarly reflects the reaction to the Sydney Siege tragedy in December, claiming 2 hostages’ lives.
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has announced that a permanent memorial will be constructed in Martin Place to pay respect to the victims, the hostages of the Lindt Cafe, and the supporting emergency workers from one of Sydney’s darkest days in recent history.
The days following the end to the siege saw a moving tribute by the way of a solemn sea of flowers cover Martin Place, dedicated to the two victims of the siege, Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson. Baird has announced that the memorial, which is yet to be designed, will include compost mulching of the donated flowers, and will be unveiled on or before the first anniversary of the attack.
“The unveiling of a permanent memorial, on or before the first
anniversary of the siege, will be another significant step in that
process, and will guarantee that the memory of Tori and Katrina lives
forever in the heart of Sydney,” Mike Baird said, according to the ABC.
Further news regarding the death of Sydney Barrister Katrina Dawson came to light yesterday, as an investigation has revealed that the 38-year-old mother was struck by a police-fired bullet during the dramatic final moments of the siege at 2am on December 16, SMH reports. The bullet that struck Dawson was reportedly not a direct shot, but may have been inflicted by ricochet fire.
An online condolence book for the victims is still online and can be signed here. Those wishing to do more are also invited to donate to the Katrina Dawson Foundation and beyondblue.
Lead image: Cole Bennetts via Getty Images.
