Two of the victims of the Bourke Street tragedy have been identified as Jess Mudie, 22, and Matthew Si, 33.
Victoria Police released the names and photographs of the pair on behalf of the families.
Ms Mudie’s family called her their “most badass daughter and sister”, thanking people for their condolences but asking for time to grieve privately.
Their statement said:
“We love your extravagant humour, the fact that you always laughed at your own jokes and your ridiculous names for everything like ‘the guch’.
“You are always up to do everything and are such bright bubble of joy. Hydration is key, ‘Remember me in the morning’ is your cocktail of choice, and your personality ensures that will always be the case.
“You are strong, beautiful, determined, always work hard to get what you want and never shy away from a challenge. You always tell it like it is and if someone wanted the truth you would not be afraid to tell them.
“You are so headstrong and assertive in everything that you do, your love for your family and friends is immense, and you are always there when any one needs support.”
Mr Si’s wife Melinda described him as a devoted husband and a loving father, brother and son. They had just finished having lunch together on Friday when they departed ways to their respective offices and he was struck down.
“The family would like to thank everyone who helped Matt at the scene and did their best to save him,” she said.
The statement went on to say that the family was “shattered” and requested for privacy. “[Melinda] will not be making any further media statements.”
A memorial service was held this evening at Beth Rivkah College in East St Kilda to honour 10-year-old Thalia Hakin, a third victim.
Two other victims – a 25-year-old man and a three-month-old baby – have not been publicly identified. More than 20 others were injured in the horrific incident.
A public vigil will be held at Federation Square on Monday at 5pm.
Tributes for the victims. Corner of #BourkeStreet & Elizabeth St. 10.45am versus 5pm today #springst #bourkest #RIP pic.twitter.com/P80Vza6yam
— Farrah Tomazin (@FarrahTomazin) January 21, 2017
The state government has launched a Bourke Street Fund to aid the victims’ families, donating an initial $100,000 which was matched by another $100,000 from the federal government. (Anyone who wishes to donate can do so here.)
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Daniel Andrews visited the memorial today.
“We are grieving with you, we are mourning those whose lives have been lost, we are praying for the recovery of those who are injured,” Turnbull told the crowd.
“We admire and thank the heroism of the first responders, policemen we spoke to just a moment ago, the emergency workers who rushed to the scene, heedless of the risk to themselves.”
Premier Andrews called the attack an “evil criminal act.”
“We grieve with them and we stand with the victims. This crime has devastated families and directly affected many hundreds of people,” he said.
“It has touched us all and we will carry it for years to come.”
You were a bystander. You were innocent. You could have been any one of us. You won’t be forgotten. #BourkeSt pic.twitter.com/UYQ9B1NnVJ
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) January 21, 2017
The alleged attacker has been identified as 26-year-old Dimitrious “Jimmy” Gargasoulas. He remains in hospital under police guard.
Photo: Supplied.
